Good Lifestyle

The Internet is an essential part of our lives, but it is also a potential mines field for shady characters who are up to bad things. The crooks constantly evolve their tactics to use the personal information of people, leading to identity theft and other serious crimes. These are increasingly common: the Identity Flight Research Center (ITRC) Annual data violation report For 2023, the United States has reached an alarming number and record of data violations. In fact, since 2021, violations have increased by 72%, which concerns more than 353 million people in 2023 only.

The protection of your online confidentiality is essential for the safeguarding of your personal information. "The data brokers deploy invisible trackers of your browser to follow you on the web," explains Jean-Paul Schmetz , CEO of Ghostery . "They often collect sensitive user information - such as your health history, finances, your location, your sexual orientation, your personal address - then use this data to target you with announcements and services."

Oh, and they will not stop there. "What may look like a targeted ad for something of interest to you could really be clickbait to collect your personal information, divert your browser and / or hack your private accounts," adds Schmetz.

Although this is a painful news, you can do practical things to ensure a safe online presence. Here are 10 cybersecurity expert tips that each Internet user should know now.

In relation: If you use one of these 10 codes of credit card pin, now change it, the study said .

1. Use strong passwords on all your accounts

Stop using passwords that include your birthday, the mother's young girl's name, the birthday date or any other basic information that can be viewable and discoverable. These facts can be found and make your accounts easy to hack.

Instead, use a password manager, suggest Schmetz. "Your default browser probably has an integrated password manager, but if you are looking for an upgraded tool with additional features, see 1 password . It will help you safely store all these connections, eliminate all these random sticky notes and eliminate the stress of the recall from a range of different combinations. ""

2. Think before clicking on the links

All that on which you click is not sure! Practice reasonable diligence and be aware of the sites you use, advise Abhishek Karnik ,, McAfee Head of threat research.

"Cybercriminals often use phishing emails and false websites to encourage people to click on malicious ties," he said. "Always check the authenticity of a message before interacting with it, and instead of clicking on the links, go directly to the source." In other words, enter the website URL ("www ...) directly in your browser.

3. Use a VPN on public networks

If you are using a public network to connect to the Internet (such as, for example, you work from coffee or you connect to the wifi of an airport), certainly use a VPN, underlines Schmetz.

"The use of a VPN will guarantee that your data is encrypted and that your IP address is masked, which makes more difficult for cybercriminals to intercept the connection and access your activity and online location. Northern And Surfhark VPNs are great tools to start if you are testing a VPN for the first time. ""

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4. Take advantage of the security fueled by AI

You should also consider using another important tool to help prevent cybercrime: al.

Yes, AI is in fashion right now because it can help you save time on tasks, but AI also feeds new cybersecurity services.

"The use of technology fueled by AI helps to block dangerous links on texts, social media and web browsers, allowing you to interact with digital content in complete safety," explains Karnik. "This technology helps to thwart sophisticated tactics used by cybercriminals today."

5. Download a tracker and an announcement blocker

According to Schmetz, you can download a tracker and an announcement blocker to protect yourself against being "followed" online by bad actors.

You can examine some options, such as Adguard And Origin Ublock , in addition to Ghostery. These services offer "a free extension for Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Edge and Opera which not only blocks advertisements, but also automatically prevents all trackers from collecting your information and inviting even more trackers on the web page", explains Schmetz.

6. Adjust your social media confidentiality settings

Privacy parameters are important! You must carefully follow the applications settings you use the most, such as Facebook and Instagram. AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB

"The management of your social media confidentiality parameters helps control who sees your personal information and reduces the risk of identity theft," said Karnick. Cybersecurity software, such as Karnick, McAfee, allows you to adjust your parameters on several social media accounts to make sure that your data is not shared with involuntary people.

7. Check people's identity

It looks like a fundamental thing to do, but the crooks are good to pretend to be someone else, so knowing who you interact is vital. You don't want to make a cat.

"Always check the identity of people asking for your personal information," suggests Karnik. "Identity scams can be convincing and a cautious approach can prevent potential loss or theft."

In relation: 7 ways to spot false offers and scams during online purchases .

8. Think before publishing your location

Sharing your vacation and travel messages is exciting, but do your best so as not to publish these updates in real time.

"Sharing your location or your online travel details can expose you to theft and other dangers," said Karnik. You essentially say to the world that you are not at home, which invites the bad actors to start dialing. "Consider the implications of your messages and wait to be at home to share your experiences."

9. Be careful with QR codes

Before scanning a QR code, check the source. If the source is not reliable, cybercriminals can steal your personal information in a few seconds.

"Schools can alter the QR codes to redirect you to malicious websites, so in doubt, go directly to an application or a source instead of scanning QR codes that promise information or offers," explains Karnik.

Many cybersecurity services help check the safety of an URL before your browser opens it, which can help you protect you from potential threats.

In relation: How to identify phishing emails: 7 easy ways to spot a scam .

10. Look for rental scams when you travel

Finally, when booking travel accommodation, be sure to do your research to prove that your favorite accommodation existing .

To do this, perform an opposite image search in the photos of a property to confirm that it is a real place at the location listed. "Reading criticism can also help identify fraudulent lists," said Karnik. "This practice is crucial to avoid scams that involve non -existent rental properties created by crooks to steal your money."