Some simple ways to help keep your information safe online

Nowadays, protecting personal information online sometimes requires us to trade off between convenience and security. Despite being aware of the risks of losing security, many people still have the habit of reusing the same password for multiple accounts without changing it regularly. This creates loopholes for hackers to easily attack and steal data.

In addition, when working at a coffee shop or traveling, many people often connect to public Wi-Fi networks without realizing the risks. These networks are often less secure than private Wi-Fi, making information vulnerable to attacks or tracking by hackers.

In the face of ever-increasing data breaches and identity theft, protecting our information online doesn't have to be complicated if we equip ourselves with the right knowledge and take the right measures.

Some simple habits like limiting the sharing of personal information on social networks or using advanced security methods can help you significantly reduce the risk.

Use strong passwords

Avoid using easy-to-guess passwords like “123456,” “password,” or your pet’s name, information that hackers can easily find on your social media accounts.

Recent studies show that passwords of 12 or more characters, especially phrases that are easy to remember but difficult to guess, provide a higher level of security than random strings of characters.

Also, always use different passwords for each account, as cybercriminals often try the same password on multiple websites to break into your system.

Do not automatically save passwords

Many people love the convenience of having their devices automatically enter information such as passwords, addresses, and credit card numbers when needed, saving them time when logging into accounts, entering addresses, or making online payments.

However, security experts recommend against saving passwords directly in the browser, as anyone with access to your device can easily view and steal this important information.

Instead of relying on auto-save passwords, you should use a password manager to store and protect your passwords more securely.

Be careful with public Wi-Fi networks

Public Wi-Fi is everywhere today, from restaurants, hotels to airports, bringing convenience but also posing many security risks.

Hackers can create fake access points that look like legitimate networks, tricking users into connecting to steal data.

If you must use public Wi-Fi, limit yourself to simple activities like reading news or entertainment, and absolutely avoid performing sensitive transactions like accessing your bank account or making online payments.

Also, when not using Wi-Fi on your laptop or phone, turn it off to reduce your risk of attack and help save battery life.

Always keep your software and applications up to date

Keeping your operating system and applications updated is one of the most important ways to protect your device from malware and security vulnerabilities.

Vendors like Microsoft, Google, and Apple are constantly releasing patches and upgrades to improve security and add new features.

Additionally, to keep your device safe and running efficiently, regularly check and remove unused apps to avoid them becoming potential vulnerabilities for hackers to exploit.

Use Email Wisely

Avoid sending emails containing sensitive financial information, as emails are a popular target for hackers and can be easily compromised. One of the most common ways malware is spread is through compromised emails.

Only open emails and attachments from people you trust, and double-check the sender's address to avoid phishing emails. Be careful when clicking on attachments to protect your device from viruses.

What many people don't realize is that most emails are sent over the internet in plain text, which means hackers can easily intercept and read them. If you need to send sensitive information, use secure portals or email encryption options to ensure your data is kept safe.