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7 ways to protect your device in 2020

The more we use these devices, more of our personal data is stored, so it's of utmost importance to keep these devices safe both digitally and physically.

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smartphone on the table and vpn app

Electronic devices especially the mobile phone and computer are always present in our daily interaction with the world. These devices are often used for bank transactions, online shopping, email interactions, storing and viewing images, social interactions and much more. The more we use these devices, more of our personal data is stored, so it is of utmost importance to keep these devices safe both digitally and physically.

A study conducted by the University of Maryland estimates a hacker attack every thirty-nine seconds on our privacy and personal data, this is a frightening statistic to imagine. Follow the steps below to protect and make your device as secure as possible.

1. Set up a passcode

All electronic devices come with basic forms of security features that protect your device from unauthorized physical access. Security features such as a passcode, pin, pattern, facial and finger recognition are the first layer of security that denies physical access to any unauthorized individual. It is advisable to create complex passcodes that contain at least eight characters, a symbol and an upper-case letter to prevent the possibility of it being guessed.

2. Install VPN extension

A VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. VPNs are software that provides a secure connection to another network over the internet by masking your Internet Protocol (IP) address so that your internet activities are kept private. Google Chrome browser gives the user the ability to install the best Google Chrome VPN extension rusvpn.com/en/download/chrome/ available via its extension page. VPN extension for Google Chrome secures your data connection as you surf the net. It is highly advisable
to install the best VPN for Google Chrome for your online security.

3. Scrutinize your apps

More often than not, we install applications on our electronic devices from different sources aside from the official page of the manufacturer of the application, not an advisable practice. Applications downloaded from unknown sources may contain malicious codes in them that can be used to spy on and collect your personal data unbeknown to you. Only download applications from the store provided by the manufacturer of your device, from the official website of the manufacturer of the application you choose to install or from a verified trusted source.

4. Be wary of Wi-Fi

Internet connection in this modern world is a must to carry out some of our crucial daily activity. The need to be constantly connected pushes us to seek and connect to Wi-Fi available in public spaces such as our favourite coffee shops. Connection to such public Wi-Fi is not recommended as it leaves you vulnerable to hackers because of its open nature. Installation of the best VPN for Google Chrome can shield you from this threat if it is absolutely necessary for you to connect to a public Wi-Fi.

5. Keep a remote backup of your data

Data backup is not as expensive and exclusive as it once was, cloud storage has made this possible. Cloud storage platforms such as Google Drive and iCloud gives users the option to back up their data periodically, and also restore their data if the need arises. Users should take full advantage of this by periodically backing up their files as cloud storage not only provides storage capacity, also provides top of the line security for your data.

6. Update your Operating System

Hackers are constantly poking and prodding Operating Systems for a weakness to exploit while the creators are constantly plugging the possible holes that might be used. Possible plugs of such holes come as updates for your Operating System. Security patches are part of the updates that help to keep your Operating System secure against cyber-attacks.

7. Log out of your accounts

When you log in to any account, be it your email or social account, it is imperative to log out of the account especially when you used a public device to initiate the login. You do not want a total stranger to have access to your profile information by simply visiting the websites you logged into.

Staying logged in on your personal device is convenient but it leaves you vulnerable if someone has access to your device for as little as a minute.

Conclusion:

Although there is always the possibility of hackers having access to your data even though you followed the above percussion, the possibility is extremely low as opposed to leaving your electronic device totally unsecure. Protecting your device in this digital era is akin to protecting your image because information gotten from your data can be used to steal your identity for malicious purposes, so always keep your devices safe. Be safe.

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