Keeping the internet safe in 2024 will be everything a challenge for companies and consumers and requires both awareness of the multitude of threats that lurk in the digital world and taking general and specific proactive measures to keep ourselves safe. To start the year off on the right foot, today we remind you of the main sections to consider improve cyber security at the end-customer level.

And it is necessary, because the number of devices connected to the global network continued to grow last year, and to the basis of personal personal computers, the Internet of Things. Additionally, the era of hybrid work that is here to stay adds and combines professional and home tasks, hindering the ability to stay safe in this jungle called the Internet.

Number of client-level threats has also increased with all types of malware; hoax and disinformation campaigns; loss of right to privacy or unpatched software vulnerabilities that are exploited in ransomware and phishing attacks, undoubtedly the most dangerous. On a professional level, we are no better. Breaches and leaks in companies large and small are constant, as are attacks on organizations or administrations responsible for vital infrastructure. Not to mention that the cyber cold war that experts are talking about continues in full swing.

How to improve internet security in 2024

It is very difficult to guarantee 100% security and privacy in the global network, but we can anticipate the arrival of threats with a number of proactive measures, which include strengthening online accounts, applications and computers where we use them. and appropriate precautions when using the Internet and its services. Common sense is another great defense here to realize this Virtual life today needs to be protected just like physical life. Let’s run it through those sections that will undoubtedly allow us to improve security.

Protect web browsers

All browsers contain advanced security features that we must check and configure for activation, as they are the main applications we use to access the Internet and its services. In addition to checking end-to-end encryption when synchronizing or isolating processes (sandbox), we must pay attention to warnings about dangerous pages that browsers display. Also check your installed extensions as some are a frequent source of malware installation.

Another interesting option to improve privacy is to use “Private Mode” (also known as incognito mode), as it avoids tracking through cookies, open user sessions, and other systems used for this purpose. Finally, note the use of “Guest Mode”, which is completely detached from the original user profile, including settings or history, protecting your data.

Update your operating system and applications

Any type of software is susceptible to vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit for computer attacks. Hence the need to always use the latest versions of the software we use, especially operating systems. They all have mechanisms for this, and in the case of Windows, the most used and widely used, it has Windows Update, which provides automatic updates that make it easy to patch and update to the latest versions. If you are experienced and prefer to do it manually, the Microsoft Update Catalog is the official web portal where you can find security updates released for Windows operating systems.

Just as important as updating operating systems is updating the applications we have installed that also publish the appropriate security patches. It should be noted that when software versions are older, they are exposed to a greater risk of attack, with a particular impact on some widely used versions such as Java, Adobe Flash, Reader or Internet Explorer, which have been a constant source of security problems.

Use a security solution

In an operating system like Windows, which is the most used and therefore the most attacked, it is likely that even the most careful user will have to deal with some type of infection when using their computer. And that is why we need to use some type of software to help us in this task. For Windows (also for iOS and Android), Microsoft offers Windows Defender as a native security solution. Although initially marketed as a basic solution, it has improved significantly in detection and discrimination capacity over the years, and today is sufficient as basic protection for most consumers.

Of course, you can use solutions from specialized providers who offer a large number of security solutions, many of them free of charge. An advanced or professional user should consider using a comprehensive commercial security suite that includes additional tools such as a firewall and other specialized tools against Ransomware, Phishing, adware or spyware attacks.

Manage passwords well

Another golden rule for improving internet security (besides using advanced biometric identification techniques if your device allows it) is to have a strong and different password for each website. Passwords are certainly an unattractive method for users, but they are still the preferred method of authentication for accessing Internet services or logging into operating systems, applications, games, and all types of machines.

Strong passwords prevent brute-force attacks, and using a different password for each account prevents them all from being compromised at once when a data breach occurs. You need to follow a number of rules for its creation and consider using password managers who are able to do the work for us, reduce human errors in their management and automate the generation and management process.

Use two-factor authentication

2FA is an access control method that you may know as “two-factor authentication”, “double identification” or “two-step verification”, which has become one of the most important security mechanisms in the technology industry when it comes to authentication. users and protect identities. Two-factor (or two-step) verification provides an additional level of account security, as it’s not enough to crack a username and password.

This feature is already available in most major internet services and it’s a good idea to use it whenever possible. It generally uses a verification code sent through a mobile app or SMS that enforces the use of passwords, username and password when logging in.

Consider using encryption

BitLocker Drive Encryption is a data protection feature available in the Professional and Enterprise editions of Windows 10 and 11. BitLocker allows you to encrypt or “encrypt” data on your computer to protect it from threats such as theft or data exposure if lost, stolen, or improperly deleted device, ultimately improving online security. BitLocker can be activated on the operating system drive, fixed data drive, or removable data drive. There are equal or better third-party solutions to consider.

Use a hardware security key for vital accounts

For vital accounts, especially in professional and corporate environments, you should go the extra mile and protect them with a hardware security mechanism. It is generally a device in the form of a pendrive that plugs into a USB port and contains a highly secure encryption module. The entire process takes place within the hardware, which significantly increases the overall security compared to software solutions.

Avoid free wireless networks

Free access points have spread to many areas in cities, restaurants, airports, train or subway stations, hotels and all types of businesses. Darkhotel, an Advanced Persistent Threat (APT), discovered by Kaspersky Lab, confirmed the intrinsic insecurity of public wireless networks. It would have been active since 2007, dedicated to obtaining privileged information from executives and high-level employees staying in luxury hotels. Security researchers have proven that these types of networks are easy to hack, so we should only use them for occasional browsing and without ever revealing our personal information.

Use backups

We’ve already said that 100% security simply doesn’t exist in the connected world, and not just because of the abundance of malware, because a hardware failure can also cause the loss of valuable personal and/or professional information. Creating backup copies (what we know as Deposit) is therefore highly recommended for users or professionals who intend to protect personal and corporate information on computer equipment, in addition to being a maintenance task that contributes to hardware health. Backups must be stored on a storage device external to our computer and/or on a cloud storage service.

Lots and lots of common sense

As always when we talk about Internet security (and cyber security in general), caution is the preferred barrier against malware, so we must be especially careful when downloading and installing applications from unsafe sites; when browsing certain websites; when opening unsolicited emails or attachments; in those originating from social networks or messaging applications, or in the use of out-of-date operating systems and applications that contain vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit for malware campaigns.