Attention: Spying, hacking, and surveillance are rampant. But simply destroying your phone and fleeing to North Korea won’t solve the problem. Sadly, most solutions out there are too technical. And even if they’re not, intruders only need access to certain features on your device- like the camera, microphone, and keyboard- to wreak havoc. Other bonus features, like internet or phone network access, only make matters worse.
In today’s interconnected world, digital privacy protection is essential, but keeping up with modern cybersecurity practices is next to impossible. And with so many devices and systems linked together, the issue is more complicated than ever. Use our digital security tips to protect yourself from hackers and spies with relatively simple steps.
How to secure digital privacy from hackers and spies?
#1 Don’t use social media
Cutting off communication channels is like reverting to caveman times, but relying too heavily on apps like WhatsApp can have consequences. As Bertrand Russell said, giving someone a mask can cause them to spill everything without fear. Despite being lauded for secure real-time communication, WhatsApp can quickly unveil your true self if authorities request your data. A recent report called out WhatsApp for failing to protect user data against spying efforts. Be mindful of the risks before relying solely on these apps.
Social networks revolve around individuals at their center, enclosed in a personalized bubble. However, this bubble can be penetrated by hackers and spies, eradicating any concept of privacy. If you can’t completely give up social media, at least use a Chrome VPN to protect yourself from data eavesdropping and DDoS attacks. Our ever-growing levels of narcissism fuelled by new social platforms, take the form of selfies, first-person essays, and even Instagram filters. Your mood and character can be deciphered effortlessly, even by those without technical savviness. In this digital world, you are vulnerable.
#2 Avoid public Wi-Fi networks
Free public WiFi is a convenient truth, but the reality is that these networks can be compromised. Despite over a billion smartphone holders worldwide, only 700,000 in Kampala are on the hunt for the best WiFi spots. From coffee shops to universities, they know which spots allow for torrents, and video streaming, and boast the fastest connection. The good news is that some networks are more secure than others, with encryption and adherence to data transfer standards. However, it’s important to recognize that anything online can be hacked, as proven in a demonstration in Amsterdam last year.
There is another solution to the problem – install a VPN on your device, you can use VPN for Chrome or your smartphone. It is even possible to configure VPN on router, so that all devices connected to it will be protected. A practical and reliable solution is VeePN. It has 2500+ VPN servers, a 30-day money-back system, a free trial version, advanced encryption technologies, and much more.
#3 Trust your intuition
Have you ever felt like someone is watching your every move? According to psychologists, this is your intuition at work – and it’s usually right. Even if it turns out to be wrong, taking precautions can still be beneficial in the long run. So trust your gut and stay on guard – after all, it’s the paranoid ones who survive.
#4 Use complex passwords
Protect your network from hackers by using strong passwords. The more secure your password is, the more challenging it is for unauthorized access. Create a combination of at least eight characters, including numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, and symbols to make it more complex. Avoid using identifiable words or sequences like birthdays and personal details that can be linked to you. Never reuse passwords. If you have too many passwords to remember, utilize a password manager like Dashlane, Sticky Password, LastPass, or Password Boss for ease and security.
#5 Only use apps you trust
Don’t believe the hype about programs offering impenetrable security on the internet. But there are apps that can add extra protection and alert you if your defenses are breached. Strengthen your defense against potential attacks and check out Mashable’s top cybersecurity apps or read Huffington Post’s tips on evading surveillance. It’s essential to understand the methods used by hackers and spies, which often rely on system vulnerabilities and social manipulation. In short, these attacks exploit weaknesses.
#6 Keep your OS, apps, and browser updated
Make sure to keep your operating system and applications up-to-date to safeguard your data from cyber threats. Also, check your web browser’s security settings to ensure maximum protection. For further privacy enhancements, enable options that prevent websites from tracking your online activity or use a private browsing mode. To add an extra layer of protection, use a secure-focused browser like DuckDuckGo or Epic Privacy Browser. Stay informed and stay safe online!
Conclusion
Protecting your online privacy is extremely important. With the unmatched internet connectivity of this era come hackers and spies who are constantly on the hunt for susceptible systems to exploit. By following our tips, you can guarantee that you stay secure and safe while browsing the web. Please note that there is no universal solution. You need to be wary of the vulnerabilities present online and be ready to tackle them. Nonetheless, the tips mentioned here considerably enhance your protection against hacking.
