With much of our everyday lives moving online, securing your online data is more important than ever. Data breaches can expose personal information, leaving you open to unwanted attention or harassment.

This article will provide the tools, tips, and advice to secure your online data.

Best security tools for protecting online data

Virtual private network (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is software that allows users to securely connect to the internet. If you know how a VPN works and how to use it, it routes your connection through a remote server, which is an intermediary between your device and the websites and services you access online. A VPN will make it more difficult for hackers and internet service providers (ISPs) to intercept or access your data and internet activity.

Antivirus software

An antivirus is a tool designed to detect and remove malware. Hackers embed malicious links in attachments in emails and websites people visit daily. All it takes is one click for you to become the next victim. An antivirus will notify you of a threat and immediately block any malicious activity.

Secure cloud storage

Cloud-based storage is a popular way to store and access files, documents, and other data online. It’s best to use cloud storage services that provide a secure and reliable way to store and access your data. Secure cloud storage services will encrypt and protect your data with various security measures to prevent unauthorized access. It's important to keep the antivirus updated to ensure that it can detect the latest threats. Moreover, using hybrid cloud observability allows for performance monitoring with a security focus in the case that your storage assets are spread across in-house and remotely hosted infrastructures. Many individuals and businesses have adopted a hybrid approach to housing data, and so being vigilant about threats without compromising ease of access is only achievable if you have the right tools in place.

Learn about the latest online fraud techniques

Improving your security awareness is another important aspect of staying safe online. Every once in a while, read up on the latest techniques threat actors use to gain access to systems. Some recently popular fraud techniques include:

Phishing

Phishing is when threat actors send emails to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. The email typically appears to come from a legitimate person or organization. It asks the victim to provide sensitive information or to click on a link that leads to a fake website. Be cautious when clicking on links or providing personal information. This includes emails, text messages, and phone calls. Smishing is a similar technique that hackers deploy via text message.

Cryptojacking

Cryptojacking is a cyber-attack where a hacker uses malware to hijack a victim's computer to mine cryptocurrency. With the increasing popularity of crypto, the rate of these attacks is also expected to grow. Crypto mining uses a lot of processing power, causing reduced computer performance and a shorter device lifespan.

Remote access trojan (RAT)

A Remote Access Trojan (RAT) is a type of malware that allows an attacker to gain remote access and control over a victim's computer. RATs are mainly distributed through phishing, system vulnerabilities, or infected software. Recently, hackers began infecting victims through popular older online games, such as previous editions of Call of Duty.

After a RAT infection, it’s important to change the password for all online accounts. A password manager can help you generate strong, unique passwords and store them inside a secure vault.

Conclusion

Keeping your online data secure is an ongoing process that involves several steps. Always use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication for your online accounts. Ignore emails or messages from unfamiliar sources, and invest in a security tool like a VPN or password manager to make staying safe easier.