5 EASY Tips to Maximize Online Security as You Surf the Internet

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Video Timestamps
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0:00 - Introduction to 5 Easy Tips to Stay Safe as you Surf the Internet
0:44 - Choose a Great Password
1:33 - Keep Your Software Up-To-Date
1:58 - Use a VPN
2:27 - Check Your Social Media Privacy Settings
2:58 - Monitor Your Bank Accounts
3:42 - Use Common Sense
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What are the best ways to protect yourself online? In the age of easy-to-access social media, Wi-Fi everywhere you go and hundreds of “free” services on the internet, it’s more important than ever to make sure you’re taking steps toward securing your data and identity online.

Today we’re looking at 5 things you can do right now to vastly increase your security and privacy online. Some of these might seem obvious but you’d be surprised at how flippant most people are about securing their most valuable asset: your identity. So let’s dive in.

#1 **Choose a Great Password**

Not a good password, a great one. A great password uses capital letters, numbers, symbols and at least 8 characters. You can also use password manager programs to provide secure passwords. Either way, choose a great password.

#2 **Keep Your Software Up-To-Date**

I know it may seem annoying how often Microsoft, Google and Apple ask you to update software and apps, but there’s usually a very good reason. Many times, a security weakness has been found and they patch it up. By not upgrading, you’re leaving yourself unnecessarily vulnerable to a known security issue.

#3 **Use a VPN**

Most people don’t realize that when they connect to a public Wi-fi network such as a coffee shop, an airport, a shopping center, etc., any data they transmit can be intercepted. It’s surprisingly easy. The best way thing you can do is to encrypt your public network connections using a Virtual Private Network, known as a VPN. If you’re not sure what a VPN is, click up here to learn more. Personally, I never connect to public Wi-fi without encrypting my connection with a VPN. Never.

#4 **Check Your Social Media Privacy Settings**

Whether it’s Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, you name it, there are always little ways you can secure who can see what on your social media. Most of the time you’ll find this under “Privacy” or “Security” in the settings. Now mind you, even the strictest privacy settings can’t protect you from foolishly sharing too much information online. That’s on you. But you can and should control who can see your social media posts.

#5 **Monitor Your Bank Accounts**

It used to be that people would reconcile their accounts at the end of the month, a time during which errors or fraudulent charges could easily be spotted. Nowadays we have too much faith in the security measures set up by banks and credit cards and we rarely ever reconcile our accounts. Just last month I spotted three fraudulent charges on my wife’s credit card that weren’t caught by the card company. She hadn’t lost her card so we have no idea how the thief got her information and if we had just set up automatic bill payment without checking the charges, we would have paid an extra couple hundred dollars. Monitor your bank. They make mistakes, believe it or not, and their security measures aren’t perfect.

#6 **Use Common Sense!**

Don’t give out your social security number unless absolutely necessary, such as with banks or let’s say apartment management companies that need to run a background check on you. Set up a password to log in on all your devices. Enable two-factor authentication if it that’s an option. These are all small things, but they add up to become a stronger online defense for you and your family.

Sure, it’s a priority for companies like Apple and Microsoft to keep you secure while using their devices and their software. But in the end, your security and privacy online depends mostly on you. Don’t take that for granted, take steps to secure yourself today.

[AllThingsSecured]

Thanks for watching this video on staying safe online! Don't forget to use the links below to subscribe to our channel, view more online security tips or try out our recommended VPN options:

[suzanneho]

Thanks for teaching us how to be safe online:)

[antdantena]

Yup...I need to get some better passwords :)

[Millkstar]

I just don't understand why don't you have more view. Or more likes ... Smh

[markmark]

Check your social media privacy settings

[jenharrison]

this is what you should and shouldn't to online

[transformer]

Is a password manager software secure, what if hackers find the master password then don't they have the key to the kingdom? I am tired of remembering the password for every site, is there any solution.

[zamstudios]

I’m just afraid of the dark web and people getting my address or something

[florencenicart]

Thats why i play this cuz this is my ass

[ghstprate]

A wise person once said that you would be surprised at just how uncommon common sense is.

[daveplayz]

thanks well I like to go to the internet.