How to Make Your Online Accounts More Secure
There’s nothing that can damage your credit or business reputation like hacking and identity theft. Online security breaches can have a devastating impact on a personal or professional level, so it’s vital to put safeguards in place to prevent this. Here are a few tips to help make your online financial information more secure.
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Use two-factor authentication
One of the easiest ways to secure all accounts is to switch on two-factor authentication whenever it’s offered. It may take a bit more time when you’re signing in from a new or unrecognized device, but it’s worth it for the instant security boost you get. This involves using an added layer of identity verification beyond the simple username and password. The “second factor” could be a code sent to you via text message, a fingerprint, or an extra security question that theoretically only you should know.
Use a VPN in public places
Most of us use public Wi-Fi to check our emails and sign into accounts when we’re in coffee shops or waiting for a flight. However, this leaves you vulnerable to security flaws in the public network. Check to see if the web pages you visit are encrypted. If they are, they will start with “https.” Another option is to use a virtual private network or VPN to access a secure connection. There are a number of VPN services out there to choose from, including Hot Spot Shield and Private Tunnel.
Create better passwords
Do you already use passwords which combine letters, numbers, and symbols? That’s a good start. You should also use different passwords for every account that you have, and it’s recommended to change them every 90 days. If that sounds like a pain to remember, you can use a password manager to stay on top of all of them.
Stay updated with the latest security tools
At the very least, your computer should have a firewall and anti-virus software. A firewall will help provide a barrier around your computer, barring malware or unauthorized activity. There’s a multitude of useful apps and security settings that can help protect your identity because the last thing that you want to deal with is your identity being compromised or unauthorized users gaining access to your network. So, it’s no wonder that many individuals and businesses are now making the decision to look at how companies like Fortinet can provide them with the relevant software that can help to protect their network, as well as all of the important and confidential information that you may have stored on your device. Before making any decisions though, just be sure that you look through all of the settings when you install a new program, to make sure you’re using all of the features. Ideally, your security program should be able to scan your network for vulnerability, and provide you with regular reports. The best telco security from Nokia Networks or other major providers will include deep packet inspection, intrusion detection, and firewalls all built into the service. Shop around to find what fits best for your needs, and update your programs regularly.
Use a separate network for payments
A good rule in general with online security is to avoid putting all of your eggs in one basket. You can use different email addresses for your personal and business accounts. If you run an online business, set up a completely different network for payments. This helps prevent and prepare your business for a potential crisis, before it happens. Separating your payments from the general network can make a hack more unlikely, as this sensitive information won’t be linked to any vulnerable personal accounts or emails.
By going the extra mile with security, you can safeguard your own financial details as well as those of your customers. A few simple measures can make you far less vulnerable to attack, and reduce the financial impact if one does occur.
