Whether you are an online gamer, a social media user, or an online shopper: safeguarding your online activities is crucial. Keeping yourself safe online is vital. It was revealed that data breaches in 2023 are up and there’s currently a huge spike in reported incidents.
It’s no secret that many companies store data through cookies to identify your device. If you are a regular internet user, whether for online gaming or purchasing goods, it may be time to take some safeguarding steps to protect your information.
Moreover, with an increase in hacking and theft, there are many risks to consider before confirming that transaction or clicking that link. Buying cheaper or free versions of games increases the risk of inadvertently downloading viruses and malware. Once malware is on your device, hackers can steal your personal information and sell it to third parties: causing a breach of privacy.
Use Cryptocurrencies Instead of Traditional Money
With gamers accounting for more than a third of the world’s population, the demand for secure payment solutions has never been greater. Many online games now accept cryptocurrencies as payment, some awarding Bitcoin for in-game achievements: offering fast and secure transactions. Blockchain technology is the underlying system that makes cryptocurrencies secure. An advanced database that automatically tracks transactions, blockchains enable the transparent sharing of information within a business network.
Crypto gambling sites have become increasingly popular, many encouraging the exchange of cryptocurrencies over traditional currencies. Security has been improved due to cryptocurrencies, therefore, people can transfer funds safely. There is another reason behind the growing popularity of a cryptocurrency casino alongside instant transactions - privacy. It’s one thing to talk about safe money transfers and another thing to ensure that no financial data would be revealed to any third-party companies. Thanks to blockchain technology, the usage of crypto doesn’t require handing over financial information, which is one of the most sensitive topics.
Moreover, cryptocurrencies eliminate the need for currency conversion, bringing global players together on common ground: with some jurisdictions even allowing tax-free winnings. The likes of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Litecoin also enable swift transactions with lower fees than traditional currencies: making wins more rewarding and reducing operational costs.
Use Three Random Words When Online Gaming
With the surge of online gaming sites, most of which require personal and financial information, password protection is essential. Weak passwords can be cracked in seconds, whereas longer and unusual passwords are often more difficult. One effective way to make your password more difficult to crack is by combining three random words (for example, applecarhedge). Avoiding common passwords that can be easily guessed, or personal attributes (such as birth dates) that can be retrieved from your personal information, creates added protection.
By using a password that’s made up of three random words, you create a password that’s strong enough to reduce the risk of hacking, but easy enough for you to remember.
Don’t Publish Personal Information on Social Media
Social media is used globally and it’s important to know how to keep yourself safe online. The easiest way to use social media safely is simply to not post sensitive/private information.
While one obvious threat of sharing personal information is the risk of harassment, it can also lead to breach of privacy and hacking.
Cybercrimes on social media platforms account for $3.25 billion in annual global avenues. On average, 1.4 billion accounts are hacked monthly on social media, with social media accounting for 80% of all hacking-related data breaches. By sharing private information via social media, there’s an increased risk of hackers accessing your account or using these details to guess security questions on financial sites.
Keep Software and Virus Protection Up to Date When Online Shopping
Keeping software and virus protection up to date is one of the simplest ways to safeguard your online activities - especially when shopping online. Many antivirus and internet security software products include password management and security features, so keeping them up to date adds extra protection for your online transactions.
Updates often contain changes that help protect you and your devices from scammers and cybercriminals, fixing weaknesses that might otherwise be exploited. If you are using a mobile or tablet device for your online shopping, there are still several ways to increase protection through software.
Many popular antivirus software, including McAfee, offer real-time threat protection across multiple devices. If added software is a little out of budget, keeping your phone’s built-in software up to date ensures that you are using the latest security features and increases protection.
To Sum Up
From the use of cryptocurrencies to choosing the right software for your devices, there are many ways to enable a safe experience on the internet. Following the tips above can reduce the risk of cybercriminals accessing your data and breaching your privacy. It is also important not to forget about updating your applications regularly, which is another way of keeping digital safety measures.