Online connectivity is essential for modern life, with many businesses and services moving to digital services. This can be seen most readily in the banking industry where many small towns have seen their branches closed, with online apps and websites the easiest option.
As well as banking, smartphones and high-speed internet have also made it convenient for consumers to do their shopping online, while social media, online casinos, and streaming sites make it the first port of call for entertainment.
With such a reliance on online activity, cybersecurity has become a priority. As cyber criminals regularly adapt their techniques, consumers and businesses must also adapt their defences.
Only Visit Safe Sites
Visiting safe sites will minimize the risk of falling victim to cybercrime, and consumers can do this by making sure the sites they visit have https rather than http at the start of the web address.
Secure sites will also feature a lock icon and you will also be able to check reviews and use browser add-ons, and website-checking tools.
These steps are important when browsing online as many sites can offer incentives to get new customers. Quite often, deals that seem too good to be true typically are.
The online casino industry is one that offers consumers great ways to enjoy online protection. Licensed UK sites must adhere to Gambling Commission regulations, making them safe for users to explore.
Taking the time to check offshore alternatives will help, with many licensed in external jurisdictions. Consumers can also find safe sites for crypto poker at Cardplayer.com with crypto gambling specialist Ricky Davies explaining that crypto casinos allow players to enjoy quick deposits and withdrawals without having to divulge too much information.
Peer-to-peer crypto transactions can be completed without providing bank or personal information, and can also reduce fees.
Limit the Information You Share
Cryptocurrencies can be a great way to minimize the information you share online, and double-checking how safe a site is before carrying out transactions is always advised.
Whenever possible you should consider limiting the information you provide online, whether that be on e-commerce sites, social media, or other services.
Only Use Secure Connections
Free public wi-fi might seem like a good way to get a strong connection, but it is unlikely to be secure and could be intercepted by criminals. Try to use secure private networks whenever possible, and limit any activity you carry out on connections you can’t verify.
Use a VPN
Using a VPN can help disguise your IP address and prevent tracking, this helps to protect your entire home network. VPNs also encrypt data which protects sensitive data from unauthorised third parties.
Update Apps and Operating Systems
Updates can be a frustration for users trying to access sites or apps, and many choose to delay the update until a later date. While this offers short-term convenience, it can be dangerous and lead to long-term problems.
Apps and operating systems use updates to install new tech developments which can improve the user experience, help the system run more smoothly, and also introduce new features.
Updates are also essential for security, with teams working constantly to mitigate risk and strengthen any potential weak points that could allow access to criminals.
Setting your device to automatically update whenever a new version is available is a great way to ensure device safety.
Regularly Change Your Passwords
Password maintenance is another inconvenience that can lead to consumers taking shortcuts. Keeping the same password for everything can make things a lot easier, but it can also be a massive risk.
You should have different passwords for all sites and regularly change them to minimise the risk of criminals being able to access your data or take over your accounts.
Stay Informed
Knowing the techniques used by cybercriminals will make it much easier to avoid them. Keeping up to date with new developments by following the latest tech news, joining communities, and listening to podcasts will make it easier to defend against hacking attacks and provide details about the latest security techniques.