10 Basic Safety Principles Everyone Should Follow
We talk a lot about computer and data security here at Lifehacker, but you can never have too many reminders of the basics. Here are a few tips and tricks for security that every computer user should know. Consider this a quick way to test your safety or help others you care about with basic essentials.
10. Beware of social engineering attacks.
Let’s start with perhaps the biggest security issue: social engineering . This is how hackers and data thieves cleverly gain access to your protected information through phishing, impersonating other companies and people, and other common tactics . Be suspicious of all links, emails, phone calls and other messages, but also know that most data breaches come from internal sources. You might be surprised at how easily even security experts can be tricked or hacked , so awareness is key.
9. Make your phone lock code more secure
The default 4-digit PIN for iOS is not the most secure. Go to the Settings app to add another number and your phone will be much safer. It’s the same with Android: the longer the better. There are also Android lock screen tools to enhance the security of your phone . At the very least, consider changing your PIN if it is one of the listed ones .
8. Automatic backup of your computer.
If you do not make regular duplicate backups , all the data that is important to you will be insecure. This isn’t as big of a problem as you might think, so there is no excuse not to back up your files . We showed you how to set up a backup system using CrashPlan , but you can also use the built-in Windows tools or Time Machine on a Mac . (Heck, go crazy and create a Time Machine backup server with your Raspberry Pi .)
7. Install the best antivirus and antivirus software.
Viruses and malware are always a threat. We recommend using one antivirus, such as Avira for Windows or Sophos Anti-Virus for Mac , and an anti-malware tool for on-demand scanning, such as Malwarebytes . Very simple.
6. Lock your wireless router.
Your router is the first line of defense for your home network. You know that you should change the administrator login of the router, use WPA2 (AES) encryption, and change other basic settings . There are also some other security settings on your Wi-Fi router that you might need to change right now . Think someone might have stolen your Wi-Fi? Here’s how to find out and how to see everything that’s happening on your network . If you want to share your Wi-Fi with your friends, you can still do it safely .
5. Never send confidential information by email if it is not encrypted.
Sensitive information such as your bank information, social security number, tax returns, or sensitive business information should never be sent by email without encryption. It’s too risky. Encrypt files with one of these tools before sending them, or use a service like the super simple ProtonMail, or encrypt your emails with PGP . Encrypt everything .
4. Don’t use public Wi-Fi without a VPN.
Yes, you really need to worry about security when using public Wi-Fi . At the very least, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Here’s how to stay safe on public Wi-Fi . The best protection would be using a VPN or virtual private network. It protects you even in other situations . If you use a VPN to stay anonymous, it won’t protect you from inadvertently revealing your identity , but beyond that, anyone can use a good VPN. Here’s an extensive comparison table to help you find the VPN that’s right for you .
3. Use a password manager.
Clever password tricks don’t fool anyone , and since you have to use unique passwords for every site and service you use, it’s impossible to remember every password. This is where password managers come in handy. We’ve compared the best password managers here , but also looked at which password manager is the most secure . However, you always need to weigh safety versus convenience, so just pick the one that has the features you need.
2. Use two-factor authentication.
Please turn it on . Two-factor authentication offers an additional layer of security to protect you if your password is stolen. Use TwoFactorAuth to find out about all the places where you can enable two-factor authentication . And don’t worry if you lose your phone (which is most often used as an authentication device), you can still go back to your account if you plan ahead.
1. Check your app’s permissions and security settings regularly.
Finally, it’s not enough to just tweak all of the above, you must remain vigilant and make sure your software is always up to date. We often forget about things like updating router firmware or clearing permissions in our apps. Make it part of your spring cleaning, or perhaps your regular habit. Here’s how to clear the permissions of your Facebook app , clear the permissions of your Twitter app, or use a site like MyPermissions to clear multiple services including Google and Facebook . Sometimes Google offers free storage just for security checks , so you might even get a bonus for complying with your security requirements.
Speaking of bonuses, here’s how to secure your computer like the NSA and, well, what the NSA spy scandal means to you , and words you probably don’t want to post online if you’re paranoid about the government spying on you. … …
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