With the danger of financial fraud and identity theft ever looming when one uses the internet, it is no surprise that many people are looking for ways to ensure their safety when theyโre logged on. It is not a problem unique to Canada, as anywhere there is internet access, there are cyber criminals on the prowl up to no good. Cybersecurity is an intentional process that can be made to work for you by protecting your device and information with the following easy steps:
1. Awareness
The average person spends an average of 6 hours or thereabout on any of their devices connected to the internet. With so much to do and new stuff joining the worldwide web queue, it is not difficult to see why.ย
Especially since the proliferation of iGaming services in many parts of the world, Canada being a major proponent, many players prefer to stay in the comfort of their homes and enjoy these services. Simply put, the iGaming market is booming in 2024 with gambling expert Vlad Grindu sharing that real money online gambling in Canada is now more accessible than ever. You know it, and no-do-gooders know it, too. The only difference is that you are not aware that they do and are constantly in their crosshairs.ย
Being aware of this fact would keep you vigilant and on your toes. It would make you less likely to divulge personal information and will allow you to stay critical of the people you meet online and their intentions. This extra dose of vigilance might be all you need to stay protected successfully when using the internet.ย
2. Choose the right platforms
Many times, people are hacked through no fault of theirsโat least not directly. They just find that they have pitched their tents with the wrong platforms, platforms that are unable to provide them with adequate protection, considering the current certainties in the online world.ย
To be safe than sorry, you need to be particular when shopping for service providers online. It starts by carefully scrutinizing their websites (if available), checking available security protocols on their systems, determining if and how often they updated their systems, and determining the level of data encryption coverage subjected to user data.ย
3. Ensure to secure your internet connection
When you are home or at work, you have some degree of confidence in the security of your internet connection. It is a different ball game when you are out using public wi-fi. While it is advisable to reduce, if not completely eliminate, using public wi-fi, there are times when it is unavoidable and comes in handy.ย
In times like this, it is crucial to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. It is important to note that a VPN is not the one-fits-all cybersecurity tool as often advertised; it just routes and encrypts the data you share on that network through its server so you do not fall victim to hacks with the Man-In-The-Middle attack being one of the most common.ย
4. Use Strong Passwords
Google does not trust passwords, and many other big corporations agree. Passwords can be hacked; it is usually only a matter of time. A four or five-character password can be brute-force hacked nearly instantly. You only have a chance when you use passwords with more characters; it is advisable for the password to be at least eight characters long.ย
The last thing you want to do is keep it simple when choosing passwords. You do not want to use your birthday or any birthdays for that matter. These are the first guesses most people try. Crucially, you want to avoid using your name, any names, names of children, spouses, or even nicknames.ย
For the best security, your password should be a blend of uppercase and lowercase letters, alphanumeric, and feature special characters. Still, this is not enough; you must complement its use with multi-factor authentication.ย
5. What is Multiple Factor Authentification?
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a form of authentication that grants users access only after they have provided more than one proof of identity. Having this system in place makes it that much more of a challenge for any would-be hacker trying to access your data. MFA requires the user to provide at least two of the following types of information before access is granted:
- Something you have, like access to your approved smartphone, which can be proven by entering a code from an authenticator app.ย
- Something you are, which can entail providing biometric information like Face ID or fingerprint.ย
- Something you know, which is where you enter your alphanumeric password or pin.ย
The best way to look at it is a multiple-layer verification mechanism that ensures you are who you say you are,ย
6. Keep Your Software and Operating Systems Up to Date
The software developers have already done all the work; all you have to do here is agree to the software or operating system prompt. You might think thereโs no change in the functionality of the app or OS, but there are some processes that are cleaned up and tightened to prevent unauthorized access coded into these updates.ย
As software developers continue to work to keep your device safe, hackers are reverse engineering their work, looking for loopholes. This is why you need to constantly stay up to date to reap the benefits of the new patches.ย
7. Back Up Your Data Regularly
You are in the end game.ย
You want to have a backup of your most important data if all else proves abortive. If your device has been hacked or locked, you want to have a clean backup that you can fall to to regain some sense of normalcy.ย
You are advised to save your backup on the cloud so you can access it anywhere and at any time.ย
Conclusion
Canadians fear not. You are not alone in your bid to protect yourself and your data from the ills of the trustless internet. The tips above are a great place to start, but they do not replace the need to be vigilant and security-conscious. Stay safe!
