The internet has drastically changed the way people communicate and interact with each other. It’s simpler than ever to connect with friends and family worldwide, but it’s also easier for criminals to target you. As you rely more on tech, you need to be aware of the risks and take the necessary steps to secure yourself and your family.
You and your family likely have a strong online presence across multiple devices. This is a great way to stay connected, but you need to protect all of these devices from privacy threats and cybercriminals. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Use Strong Passwords
One of the most important things you can do to protect your online presence is to use strong passwords. A robust password must be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters and numbers.
If you find it difficult to come up with strong passwords, a few tools can help. Norton Password Manager will generate and store strong passwords for you. It’s available as a free extension for Chrome, Firefox and Safari browsers.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a redundant layer of protection that can be used to protect your online accounts. With 2FA enabled, you’ll need to enter a code from your phone or another device in addition to your password when logging in. This makes it difficult for criminals to access your accounts even if they have your password.
Most major websites and online services offer 2FA, so enable it whenever possible. You can usually find the option in the security settings of your account.
Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. This makes it challenging for anyone to snoop on your internet usage or track your online activities.
VPNs are particularly useful when using public Wi-Fi, as these networks are often unsecured and easy for criminals to exploit. There are many great VPN options available; do a little research to find the best one for you.
Limit Personal Information Online
Another way to protect your family online is to limit the personal information you share. This includes your address, date of birth and phone number.
Be careful about the information you share on social media, and only add people you know and trust to your network. You also need to avoid sharing too much personal information on websites where it’s unnecessary.
Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection
It’s important to have antivirus and anti-malware protection installed on your devices. This will help to protect you from malicious software that can steal your personal information or infect your system with malware.
Norton 360 with LifeLock is a great option that provides comprehensive protection for your devices. It offers top-tier protection against viruses, malware and other online threats.
Keep Software Up-to-Date
Another pivotal step you can take to protect your family online is to keep all software up-to-date. This includes your:
- Operating system
- Web browser
- Installed applications
Developers regularly release updates that patch security vulnerabilities, so installing them as soon as they’re available is important. You can set your software to update automatically at regular intervals.
Get the Protection Your Family Deserves
Protecting your family online is important in today’s connected world. By implementing these tips, you can generate a strong presence across multiple devices and help keep your loved ones safe from harm.
