Are you looking to make your online life more secure? Worried about getting hacked one day and finding your sensitive data compromised?
Knowing that valuable information has been leaked or your identity has been stolen is one of the worst situations you can experience.
To prevent that from happening, below are three ways you can protect yourself from online attack.
1. Look into API Security
If you own a company and conduct business online using APIs, you should consider API security an essential part of your cybersecurity budget.
API, or Application Programming Interface, is the gateway between multiple software programs that enables them to communicate with each other. For instance, the weather application that is most likely installed on your phone is connected to a weather database via API. Without API, your weather app would not be able to function because it would have nowhere to pull its data from.
API security comes into play because hackers often target APIs – and once that gateway gets broken into, your data is revealed.
By looking into API security for your business, you’ll be able to figure out the applications or software that are safest for you. For instance, a company could advertise that its applications are wholly secured due to its advanced API security. Of course, you would have to research the company to verify that claim.
2. Install Antivirus and Antimalware Software
If you don’t have one already, make sure to invest in antivirus or antimalware software to protect your devices from viruses and malware.
If you don’t have any of this software, you could easily get a virus simply by visiting a website. This website might not seem suspicious at first, but you won’t find out until you click on it. It’s better not to risk it and invest in your safety.
With an antivirus, your software can tell you if the website you are trying to visit is safe. If not, your software will stop you from going in; it will warn you of the potential virus and ask you if you want to continue going to that link.
If you are worried that you already have a virus, your antivirus software can do quick scans or deep scans to ensure the security of your device. After conducting a scan, it will let you know what it finds – if there is a virus, it will alert you immediately and provide a recommendation for clearing the threat.
3. Get a VPN
Another thing that you might want to invest in is a virtual private network or VPN. Using a VPN will ensure that your internet activities stay private and that your data is not being shown to the world.
Through a VPN, your data is secured because the connection is encrypted, meaning no one can intercept that connection. The great thing about having a VPN is that after you disconnect from it, hackers can try to track you, but because the VPN provider serves many people, it will be difficult to pinpoint your traffic specifically.
Your connection’s level of security depends on the VPN you purchase. Some VPN providers will take many steps to ensure that your privacy is completely secure, such as not keeping any records of your identity or data.
Final Thoughts
Whether you use the internet as an individual or as part of running your business, it’s important to keep your private information safe from hackers. Ensure everyone at your company and in your household is aware of cybersecurity best practices.
Hackers are constantly evolving new tactics, so keep yourself updated on new ways to stay safe online.