April 28, 2025
Trending News

10 Tips to Improve Internet Security in 2023

  • January 1, 2023
  • 0

Internet security is at risk malware of all kinds; service breaches and data leakage; hoax and disinformation campaigns; loss of the right to privacy or unpatched software vulnerabilities

Internet security is at risk malware of all kinds; service breaches and data leakage; hoax and disinformation campaigns; loss of the right to privacy or unpatched software vulnerabilities that are used for all kinds of attacks with ransomware and phishing as exponents, as we saw in a selection of the worst cyber incidents of 2022.

Except, the number of devices connected to the global network It has grown exponentially and personal computers have been massively joined by mobile devices, wearable devices, smart cars or everything that comes from home automation and the Internet of Things. And to make matters worse, the “hybrid work” we have to live adds and combines professional and domestic tasks, which hinders the ability to stay safe in this jungle called the Internet.

Internet security: how to strengthen it

It is very difficult to guarantee 100% security and privacy in the global network, but we can strengthen them and anticipate the arrival of threats with a number of proactive measures that include strengthening online accounts, applications, equipment where we use them, and appropriate precautions in the use of the Internet and its services . Common sense is another great defense here, as is a mental boost Virtual life today needs to be protected just like physical life.

1.- 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 sandboxing (sandbox), we must pay attention to the warnings about insecure 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 prevents 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 configuration or history, thus protecting their data.

2.- Update the operating system and applications

Any type of software is susceptible to vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit for computer attacks. It follows from this that it is necessary to always use the latest versions of the software we use, especially the 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 released security updates for Windows operating systems.

Just as important as keeping our operating systems up-to-date is updating the apps we have installed that also publish the appropriate security patches. It should be noted that when software versions are older, they are at greater risk of attack, with a particular occurrence for some widely distributed versions such as Java, Adobe Flash, Reader or Internet Explorer, which have been a constant source of security problems. .

3.- Use a security solution

In an operating system like Windows, which is the most widespread 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 with the task. For Windows (also for iOS and Android), Microsoft offers Windows Defender as a native security solution. Although originally released as a basic solution, it has improved significantly in detection and resolution capabilities over the years and is now 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.

4.- 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 kinds 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 must follow a number of rules for creating it and consider using password managers who are able to do the work for us, reduce human error in managing it, and automate the generation and management process.

5.- 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 is not enough to crack a username and password.

This feature is already available in most major Internet services and should be used whenever possible. It generally uses a verification code sent via mobile app or SMS, reinforces the use of passwords, username and password when logging in.

6.- Evaluate the use of 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 against threats such as data theft or disclosure in the event of loss. , theft or inappropriate device removal and ultimately improve online security. BitLocker can be enabled on the operating system drive, on a fixed data drive, or on a removable data drive. There are equal or better third-party solutions that should be evaluated for use.

7.- Use hardware security key for vital accounts

For vital accounts, especially in professional and business environments, it is worth protecting them with a hardware security mechanism. It is generally a device in the form of a pendrive that is connected to 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.

8.- Avoid free wireless networks

Free access points have spread to many areas in cities, restaurants, airports, train or subway stations, hotels and all kinds 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 high-level executives and employees staying in high-end hotels. Security researchers have shown that these types of networks are easy to hack, so we should only use them for occasional browsing and never reveal our personal information.

9.- Use backup copies

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 business computer information while also being a maintenance task that contributes to hardware health. Backup copies must be stored on a storage device outside of our team and/or on a cloud storage service.

10.- 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 in the section about downloading and installing applications from dangerous 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 operating systems and applications that have not been updated, which contain vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit for malware campaigns.

Source: Muy Computer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Exit mobile version