Digital safety has been a concern since the very dawn of the Internet. Although there are plenty of safeguards in place, the associated threats also continue to become more advanced. This is why consumers and website owners alike should appreciate some of the latest cybersecurity trends as well as the benefits that such approaches have to offer. If you have become concerned about the safety of your personal details, it is a good idea to check out the observations outlined immediately below.
Use a Private Server
All websites are powered by a host. The vast majority us a shared host and while cheaper, these services are generally unable to offer robust protection from external threats. More owners are therefore migrating to a professional hosting package. Note only do these systems boast other security perks such as DDoS protection and cloud-based backup storage, but private hosts ensure fast page loading times. This is crucial in order to reduce bounce rates.
Virtual Private Networks
A VPN (technically known as a virtual private network) provides another layer of protection from prying eyes. VPNs are often used by gaming enthusiasts as well as anyone who wishes to access a website that is blocked due to regional restrictions. The main benefit of a VPN is its ability to mask the IP address of the user. It instead routes this address through nodes located around the world. Not only is a VPN great in terms of anonymity, but many packages can be installed as free browser plugins.
Seemingly “Minor” Software Updates
Many individuals fail to take recommended software updates seriously. They instead choose to gloss over these notifications until they are absolutely necessary. Such habits can often come at a price. Updates are intended to enhance security protocols and to detect any “bugs” that might increase the vulnerability of a program. This is just as true for the everyday smartphone application as it applies to entire operating systems. Simply stated, always perform any update as soon as it is recommended.
Enable 2FA when Prompted
2FA is an acronym for two-factor authentication and it offers even more protection when performing specific actions online. For instance, imagine that you wish to transfer money into an existing bank account. Once you log in and confirm the action, a second form of approval will be required in order to proceed. Perhaps the most common example involves a text message sent to a mobile device. Unless the code within this message is entered into the appropriate field, the transaction will be denied. Many websites now offer 2FA as a standard option and it is always a good idea to enable this feature when prompted. After all, there is no such thing as being too careful with your private details.
Taking a Proactive Stance
Online safety is no laughing matter and thousands of individuals are impacted by hacking on a daily basis. Those who wish to ensure that their information remains behind closed digital doors should therefore seriously consider all of the strategies mentioned previously.
