The protection of your privacy and personal data stored online is of great importance. Having your personal information in the wrong hands can cause you great damage. The following tips might prevent you from being a victim:
1. Remember to log out:
If you are done using your account such as Facebook, Instagram, Email, even your mobile banking app, remember to log out so that if anyone tries to log in with your account: they will be prompted to sign in with your details which I believe they won't have.
2. Only sign in to trusted websites:
Most website these days will prompt you to sign in with your account details such as Facebook, email etc. to get a free package, news, discount etc. Make sure the website you are giving your detail to is a trusted one, because your details in the wrong hands can be used for malicious reasons.
3. Change your password often:
Changing your online accounts password from time to time is a good practice. If in case your account details get in the wrong hands, changing the password might just help render the old details invalid.
4. Stop using predictable password:
Having your name, date of birth, nickname, and the likes as your password is not so good an idea. Your password should consist of letters, numbers and some special characters and should be at least 8 characters e.g. 'm@x!mum%Secur!+i'. The longer the password, the more difficult it will be for your hacker to crack.
5. Don't use the same password for multiple accounts:
Having one password for multiple account is dangerous. That means, if your Facebook password is cracked and tested on your other accounts and they work: you are doomed. Having multiple passwords can be overwhelming, so you don't get confused, write them down and store in a secret place. Or you can save them in a passworded and hidden folder on your computer or mobile device for easy access.
6. Delete your browsing history:
If your browsing history is accessible to your attacker, they can easily go to your last log in session and sign in with your saved data (another reason you should always log out). Deleting your browsing history can help prevent hacks through this form.
7. Update your web browsers:
Web browser companies e.g Google try their best in ensuring the security of their users thereby fixing bugs and vulnerabilities by upgrading their products. So, using the latest version of your web browser can be an additional step in ensuring the security of your data online.