Technological advancement has brought about the proliferation of online activities, especially social interactions and e-commerce. The fact is that technology is widely appreciated since it offers the possibility of safe and fast interactions and transactions.
However, it has become evident that technology is imperfect, as it can be altered and hacked, resulting in the loss of private data and other sensitive information. Hence, the clamor for digital security.
What is Digital Security?
Digital security is tools that protect users’ online details, such as data, identity, assets, and devices. These tools include biometrics, encryption software, etc.
Encryption Software: Encryption is a critical online security tool websites use to protect customers’ data. It encodes data in a way that can’t be accessed or read without the correct password or decryption key. It uses a Secure Sockets Layer protocol (SSL) to protect your sensitive information. For instance, e-commerce sites, payment gateways, gaming platforms, and online casinos use SLL to protect customers.
While some make use of 128-bit SSL, others utilize 256-bit SSL. So, let’s explore safe online casinos with 128-bit SSL, for example. It could take up to a hundred years to crack the code such casinos use to protect players’ financial and personal data from cybercriminals.
So, players are assured that their payment information, login credentials, and details like contact information, addresses, and names are well protected.
Other encryption used by websites includes the TLS (Transport Layer Security) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standards).
Biometrics: Some sites use biometrics as an extra layer of security. Biometrics utilize physical traits or biological measurements to identify a person. Retina scans, facial recognition, fingerprint mapping, voice recognition, and heart-rate sensors are forms of biometric security.
Information That is Prone to Digital Security Risk
Cybercriminals do not target all your online information. There are specific details that security hackers look out for. These include the following:
- Personal Information
The details here include your name, address, phone number, home address, email account name, and social security number. Personal information is mostly used for social engineering scams and identity theft. Also, when a hacker gets your Social Security Number (SSN), he can use your name to open a bank account, apply for an ATM card, take loans, and damage your credit score. It is also important to avoid using the same password on multiple accounts. Moreover, hackers can easily access your data if you don’t use a two-factor security authentication setup.
- Payment Details
Your financial details are also considered your personal payment data. Your payment details include debit and credit card numbers and the expiration date. It also includes your online baking digits, such as the account, routing numbers, and transaction PIN codes. If cybercriminals get these vital details, they can easily use them to purchase and transfer funds from the account.
- Personal Health Information
Hackers also seek your health details to submit false insurance claims and can even resell drugs that have been prescribed. These details include your health insurance subscriptions, medical history, and prescription drugs.
Protecting Your Data
You don’t have to be a digital security expert to secure your data. You can intensify your digital security efforts by doing the following:
- Less Sharing
The first step to tightening your digital security is to share less of your details with people. You must be careful of sharing pictures, geotagged posts, and private details you wouldn’t want strangers to know.
- Covering your webcam
You might have encountered people who use their laptops to work at coffee shops with tape over the webcam. It may not look like a high-tech digital security step, but you can think of this approach as intelligent. Hackers can watch you, so taking this initiative is better than becoming a victim.
- Protecting your Web Browser
You can use browser extensions to protect your data, especially from websites and ads that collect personal information. An example of a browser extension is uBlock Origin. This type of extension blocks ads and the data they collect. Also, they serve as anti-virus or anti-malware for your browser.
- Deal with Third-Party App Connections
You can intensify your digital security by limiting or removing the number of connections some apps have to other apps.
- Review Your Account Privacy Setting
Another step towards digital security is to pay attention to your privacy settings on the digital accounts you frequently use. Thus, it would be best if you considered turning off the location tracking on your social media, photos, posts, and even comments.
- Proper Password Management
You have to consider using a secure password manager. A secure password manager will help save all your created passwords in one place, making them safer and less accessible to cyber criminals.
- Using Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication has become increasingly popular. This extra layer of security supplies you with a passcode when you are about to gain access to a site. It is more like a verification form when conducting an online transaction.
For example, when you visit a site and have already entered your password to gain access. The account will send a numeric code to your device instead of granting you access immediately. Afterward, you must type in the code to get access.
- Do not ignore Software Updates.
One of the ways to ensure that you are safeguarding your device from being hacked is to set up your operating system and always look out for updates to install, or you could set it to automatic installation.
It has been discovered that most hackers take advantage of already known vulnerabilities that have been fixed, especially on devices that haven’t installed the fix. This makes the devices prone to cyber threats or infiltration.
Conclusion
You can protect your data and online activities in several ways, and the good news is that you are in control of most of these steps. Starting with sharing less sensitive information, reviewing account settings, etc. Thus, take digital security seriously and protect your identity and data.
