5 Ways to Increase Your Protection Against Cyber Attacks

As the digital landscape gains momentum, it becomes more difficult for business owners to keep personal and consumer information safe on the internet. Proper web security measures are critical for preventing hackers and cybercriminals from obtaining access to sensitive information. 

Many businesses face the progression of malware and cybersecurity attacks on websites, networks, and IT structures if they do not have a proactive cybersecurity plan. If a hacker succeeds, infiltration may spread from computer to computer, making it challenging to hunt down the source and mitigate the cost. 

Web Security Tips to Increase Your Protection Against Cyber Attacks

To make sure you prevent hackers from gaining access to your hard work and personal data, here are five ways to upgrade your line of defense:

Web Security Tip 1: Use Complex and Strong Passwords

Back in the day, 3- or 4-character passwords were sufficient to protect your online data. However, as technology progresses, so do the capabilities of cybercriminals to find methods in cracking passwords. Strong passwords should be at least 8 characters long and contain a mix of lower case letters, capital letters, numbers, and a unique character such as an exclamation point. Don't use a well-known phrase as your password. 

You may find it simple to recall the words "I have a pet dog," but a password-cracking program can break it in no time. A fantastic option is to use the initial letter of a sentence you'll remember, such as "My dog's name is Paprika," which would be "MDn!-P." As much as possible, avoid using the same password repeatedly. If a cybercriminal hacks into any of your accounts, they will have entry to your online banking, email accounts, and other sensitive information.

Web Security Tip 2: Connect Only on Secured URLs

Look at the address bar before logging into financial and other important websites, such as your bank's website and other sites where you have personal information. If the address begins with HTTPS, you know it is secure because of the extra "s." If it doesn't, either you are on the wrong login page, or you are on a spoof (falsified) website. 

Don't ever click on a suspicious-looking link in an email—and that includes emails that seemingly come from official websites, such as your bank or other financial providers. Instead, look up the official site and save it in your bookmarks or call the company. When you suspect you receive a malicious link, forward it to your banking company, and they will appreciate your prudence.

Web Security Tip 3: Activate Your 2FA

When a website such as your Google account detects a different IP address being used to connect to a website, two-factor authentication (2FA) comes in useful. You are instantly sent a text message to the phone number you enrolled with to confirm that it is you. If you did not log in, you could change your password right away to protect your account.

Web Security Tip 4: Do Not Link Your Accounts Altogether

Even though it may appear to be much smoother to connect to web pages using your Google or Facebook account, doing so presents a cybersecurity risk. If the primary account is compromised, any other accounts that were logged in using the same are likewise affected. Hackers will then have access and control over the data on those other websites as well.

Web Security Tip 5: Regularly Update Your Device

Running out-of-date operating systems invites malware attacks of all kinds. With current features, software developers release updates to patch problems loopholes discovered by programmers that allow attackers to bypass and steal data. The older your software, the more open doors you have for malware attackers to enter your system.

Final Thoughts

Technology continues to evolve over the years. Devices and accounts may now be readily linked, making it more straightforward and seamless for the digital landscape. While this innovation is advantageous to many, it can pose a threat to your web security. Constant efforts to protect your sensitive data and information will aid in mitigating cyberattacks and keeping hackers at bay.

Keep your online presence protected from any possible cyber-attacks! Strengthen your cybersecurity fort by working with us at Carbon Digital. We provide web security services that enable small businesses and enterprises alike to control access and protect users from any online threat.