Protecting yourself online feels like it's become a full time job. Therefore, a little research goes a long way, so make sure that you only buy security software from sites you trust and those that specialize in the subject.
But there are also time-tested steps you can take to protect yourself before disaster strikes. They might be easier than you think, and they'll definitely be cheaper.
1. Get the updates
Admittedly, this isn't always the best option, especially if you're dealing with new platforms or ones that you don't already trust. However, you can say this for companies like Microsoft and Google: They have a vested interest in staying ahead of the latest threats. Microsoft, in particular, has gotten diligent about keeping the latest edition of their software up to date.
Windows 11 has some pretty robust features that allow users to customize their access at a granular level. And even old warhorses like Outlook are getting a new coat of armor against the most common email attacks.
2. Actually read those emails
Speaking of email, it's still the most common way for bad actors to gain access to an otherwise secure system. All it takes is one careless response to an unknown request or a click on a mystery attachment. In recent years, this old trick has gotten even more effective as AI learns to mimic human communication.
You can prevent a lot of damage by simply double-checking the address and never clicking a link to "update payment info" without first calling to verify. Phishing filters can't stop everything, but a little common sense can.
Do I know this person? Do I actually have an account with this company?
If you can't answer that question to yourself definitively, don't answer the e-mail at all.
3. Backup your data
We've all gotten very used to the idea of our data being eternal. Everything we've ever done or typed is out there somewhere, as long as we keep those cloud accounts active. And while that's a little scary, it can also be a little too comforting. Lose the wrong password, and you can also lose all those precious documents. T
he first step in preparing for the disaster of total data loss: Spring the extra few bucks for an offsite backup plan. Common cloud services probably already have them, with Apple iCloud, Drive, and Dropbox being some of the most reliable. Next, schedule those backups to happen on a regular basis — at least once a month.
There are also some great disk imaging tools out there to help you back up an entire device. And no, you're not too paranoid if you keep some of the most precious, evergreen files in good old-fashioned hard storage, as long as they stay at home and not on an unencrypted flash drive on your keychain.
4. Get a VPN already
We get it. VPNs used to be a pain, and some still are. But on all but the most rickety ones, the benefits far outweigh any slight slowdown you might get. Public wi-fi can be treacherous in some places, and switching on that VPN is still the best way to prevent bad actors from hitching a ride.
Features like split tunneling are now commonplace enough to browse away without clogging up your bandwidth. And while they're not infallible, they still provide a cheap way to keep your anonymity.
For even top VPNs like NordVPN, you're paying less than $5 a month, and you can still find reliable offerings like Surfshark and CyberGhost at half that price.
5. Take matters into your own hands
If you really want to get serious about your online presence, here's the hard truth: A listicle won't give you everything you need. And while cybersecurity is a profession unto itself, it's one that anybody can learn.
Infosec4TC is a name that's well known to IT veterans, and new users can get platinum access to their training platform in this lifetime IT bundle.
It includes over 90 online courses on ethical hacking, systems management, and more, plus study guides for some of the most in-demand cybersecurity certifications (in case you want to feel more secure financially and virtually).
On top of that, the bundle includes two more learning platform memberships: Stone River eLearning and StackSkills Unlimited. That means you can take your pick of more than 1,000 IT and finance-related tutorials, accessible anytime all for less than $120.
Prices subject to change.
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