The evolution of the Internet and the digital world is unstoppable, and that’s a good thing. The Internet 2.0 offers an ever-increasing range of possibilities, and we can eagerly await the great innovations we can look forward to in the future. But where there is light, there is also shadow.
With the advance of digitalization, more and more crime is occurring on the Internet. The privacy of many users is no longer private and data is spied out. However, we are by no means powerless against it. We show with our tips how important data and one’s own privacy remain secure.
Increase in cybercrime
In the second quarter of 2020, according to a recent report by the company G Data, the number of cases of cybercrime has increased by a full 154 percent compared to the first quarter. Private users and companies are still too careless with their data. The Corona pandemic, among other things, has made it easier for criminals to strike. People are spending more time on the computer and the increase in home office work has created more opportunities for cyber criminals.
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Cyber insurance
Due to this ever-increasing threat, the demand for so-called cyber insurance is growing. Even if users are careful, something can still happen. Hackers are able to exploit even the smallest security gaps in the home system. Cyber insurance ensures that the damage after a digital incident is kept to a minimum. For example, it pays for credit card fraud, data theft, identity fraud or the complete loss of data. However, it’s better if the insurance doesn’t have to kick in in the first place.
Avoid giving away data
Users should only disclose data on the Internet that is really necessary. In no case should the information be too private or personal. It doesn’t take much to commit identity theft, such as ordering things online. In most cases, the name, address and date of birth are completely sufficient. Such data is often published in social media. If they are given, at least they should not be shared publicly. Ideally, they’re left out completely. Before giving any data at all to certain websites, they should be thoroughly vetted for trustworthiness.
Keep an eye on your own data
It may be difficult, but users should still try to track who has what information from them. So that the own data can not be abused, it is however necessary to have at least a rough overview. To do this, enter the name in the various search engines. The results that are found can be seen by all other people as well. In addition, the apps on the smartphone should be checked regularly. Is the app still being used at all? What data does it use from me? What, if anything, can I limit? It is also possible to request your own data from various companies. Everyone has a legal right to this.
Password protection
Cyber criminals often take advantage of the fact that consumers have passwords that are too weak. It becomes even easier for hackers if the same password is used everywhere on the Internet. Poor password protection is one of the most common preventable security breaches. A new password should be used for every occasion. In the best case, this has several features that provide sufficient protection.
- It should consist of at least eight digits.
- Both lower and upper case should be used.
- In addition, numbers and other characters should be used.
- Passwords should not have any personal connection that can be inferred in any way, such as names or birthdays.
- It should not be a word that can be found in the dictionary.
If you are not creative in finding a password, you can help yourself with one of the many password generators on the Internet.
Even more security with Securitycode
Many companies now offer a double security identifier for their services. Similar systems are already known from online banking, for example when a tan has to be entered. With this so-called two-factor authentication, a secure password is first entered. This must be confirmed with a code that is sent to the user via SMS, for example.
Be careful in your own email box
One’s own mailbox is one of the most vulnerable points when it comes to cybercrime. Special care should be taken when opening e-mail attachments and clicking on links within the mails. As a result, malware could be loaded onto the computer unnoticed, spying out sensitive data. Users should definitely determine who the mail is from in the first place before opening attachments or links. If the source is a trustworthy one? Even if the sender is known, attachments and the like should be checked by appropriate software. Only when there is an all-clear, they may be opened.
Updates and anti-virus software
It is important that one’s own system and anti-virus programs are always kept up to date. As in reality, viruses and other malware are constantly changing and pose new threats that need to be protected against. Consumers can already do a great deal themselves to stay safe on the Internet. This requires a healthy dose of mistrust and, above all, caution. Because one’s own data can be dangerous in the wrong hands.