Last Updated on October 24, 2022 by Larious

We live with technology evolving and becoming more and more integrated into our everyday lives. With this comes great opportunities like easy access to NFL odds, keeping you informed, and connecting with friends and family. However, there are also great risks like hacking. As our dependence on technology grows, risks associated with its use grow.

Here are tech tips to help you stay safe and secure online.

Keep Your Software up to Date

One of the best ways to protect your computer and ensure it’s running is to keep your software up to date. Software updates can include security patches that can help protect your computer from viruses and other malware. 

You can usually set your computer to install updates, or you can check for updates.

Use Strong Passwords

Another great way to protect your computer and online accounts is to use strong passwords. It should be at least eight characters long. Also, It should include a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers.

Avoid using guessed words like “password” or your birthdate. If you struggle to create a strong password, you can use a password generator to make one for you.

Be Cautious About What You Click On

In today’s interconnected world, it is easy to click on something without thinking twice. But, it is important to be cautious about what you click on, especially if you do not know the source. 

Many malicious websites and emails try to trick people into clicking on links that will download viruses or give hackers access to your personal information.

If you feel unsure about a link, you can hover over it with your mouse, doing it you will see where it will take you.

Use Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security used to protect your online accounts. With two-factor authentication, you need to enter your username and password and the second piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone. 

This step makes it much harder for someone to hack into your account, even if they have your password.

Back-Up Your Data

Backing up your data is an important thing you can do to protect it. If your computer crashes or gets lost or stolen, you will be glad you have a backup. There are many ways to back up, such as using an external hard drive or cloud storage.

You can even set up your PC to back up your data regularly.

Use Encryption

Encryption is a process that consists of transforming readable data into unreadable code. This can help protect your information if your computer gets lost or stolen or if you are sending sensitive information over the internet. 

There are many types of encryption, but one of the most common is Pretty Good Privacy (PGP).

Be Aware of Public Wi-Fi.

Public Wi-Fi hot spots are convenient, but they can also be dangerous. When you connect to a public Wi-Fi network, all the data you send and receive is susceptible to interception. 

This means someone could be eavesdropping on your conversations or stealing your personal information. If you need public Wi-Fi, use a VPN (a virtual private network) to encrypt your data and keep it safe.

Use Security Features

Most computers and devices come with built-in security features that can help protect you from malware and hackers. For example, many computers have a firewall that can help block dangerous incoming connections. 

You should also be certain that you have antivirus and anti-spyware software up and running.

Be Cautious About Sharing Personal Information

In today’s world, it is easy to share too much information online. You should be cautious about what you post on social media sites and only share personal information with people you trust. It is also good to use privacy settings to control who can see your information.

Keep Your Antivirus up to Date

Antivirus software protects your computer from malware by scanning your computer for malicious software and quarantining or deleting anything it finds. It’s important to keep your antivirus software up to date as new malware is being created.

Don’t Open Email Attachments From Strangers

Email attachments are one of the most common ways that malware spreads. If you receive an email attachment from someone you don’t know, don’t open it. Even if you know who sent it, be careful. If you’re not expecting an attachment, it’s best to delete it.

Verdict

These are a few of the many different tech tips you can use to help keep your data safe. Do your research to find which best options are best for you, and don’t forget to back up your data!