Most websites and online services require you to create an account to have full access to them. By now, many of your online accounts are scattered around the internet.
These accounts contain your personal information which could be very dangerous if it falls into the hands of a hacker. This is why you need to secure them. There are many ways to keep your account secure and this goes beyond using password protection because that is the obvious one.
Follow these tips to secure your online accounts permanently:
1. Use a VPN service
To make your browsing more secure, you need to have the best extensions and security software for your devices. It is also important to use a VPN service.
VPN services are available for all types of browsers and operating systems such as Windows and Mac. However, finding good free VPNs can be a bit daunting.
A VPN is actually a tool that hides your web traffic from hackers, ISPs and governments. In short, all your traffic goes through an encrypted tunnel that cannot be seen by a stranger trying to track your traffic.
Therefore, when you have access to any account, everything will be encrypted.
2. Use two-factor authentication
Using a strong password is not the only way or the best way to secure your online accounts. You need to have an extra level of security just like 2FA.
If a site uses two-factor authentication, use it without hesitation. It may take a little more time than logging in to your account, but it's really worth it.
Two-factor authentication is basically a temporary password, a secret question, or anything other than a password to log in to your account.
Even if the hacker manages to find your password, he will not be able to log in because he will not have access to the password sent to you on your mobile phone.
3. Delete unused accounts
Do not keep unwanted accounts that you do not use. However, you must be 100% sure that you will not use it again for business or personal use.
Some sites make it very difficult to delete an account. To this end, you can talk to their support.
4. Clear browsing history when using public computers
Needless to say, you should always log out of your account or clear your browsing history when using the Internet on a public computer.
Also, if possible, use incognito mode or private browsing mode. This way, you will not have to delete any history, as there will be no browsing history to clear.
5. Do not use public Wi-Fi without a VPN
You need to be very careful when using public Wi-Fi, because even a novice hacker will be able to hack your device and steal information.
Even if there is no hacker in a nearby public place where free public Wi-Fi is available, try to avoid it in any case.
You can use a VPN to access public Wi-Fi, as it will hide your IP address and all the information on your phone and make it completely encrypted.
Most hackers tend to find their victims using public Wi-Fi because they are easy targets for them and also because they can extract banking information from their mobile devices.
6. Keep your software up to date
Whatever happens, always keep your software up to date. Each software releases occasional updates due to enhanced features and to correct any security issues.
If you do not update your software, hackers will easily find that you are using the older version and will be able to exploit vulnerabilities.
I would recommend everyone to keep automatic updates turned on so you don't have to update them manually in case you forgot.
Conclusion
If your accounts are spread all over the internet, then it's time to secure them with the tips I mentioned in this guide.
Most important of all is to use a VPN every time you connect to your account through a browser on your computer or through your mobile device.
It will hide your online traffic whenever you are online and that is what protects your online identity.