We live permanently connected to the internet. Whether from our mobile phones, computers or tablets, we spend much of the day browsing websites and applications. This constant connection also implies that much of our personal information becomes part of the network, in the so-called digital footprint, often without us being fully aware of it.
When we talk about cybersecurity, it is common to focus on common technology scams and frauds, such as phishing. But the truth is that there are habits that seem harmless, that we do daily and that endanger our security on the Internet. To fully protect your data and safeguard your information, you must know them in order to stop making these mistakes.
It is the most common practice when we are more than used to using the Internet on a daily basis. We accept cookies from websites, the terms and conditions of websites, platforms and applications, we grant access without thinking about it and sometimes we even consent to an app tracking us. We do it automatically believing that it is something harmless, but it is not at all. Without knowing it, you may be giving a website or application permission to access personal information that puts your security at risk.
From now on, try to read all the conditions carefully before clicking the flashy accept button and review the permissions granted to all the apps on your smartphone.
A fashion app for second-hand shopping, the viral website that makes photographic montages, the attached link that you receive in an SMS… be very careful when accessing any platform without knowing if it is truly safe. Read the app descriptions carefully before downloading them and make sure that the websites use the ‘https’ address to verify their security.
Another recurring mistake that we succumb to again and again. You receive a document through a messaging application or email and download it without thinking twice. Be very careful, because you could be downloading malware that infects your device or steals your information. Always check the reliability of the senders and their content.
You should know that application and operating system updates not only introduce new features, but often also address security vulnerabilities. Keep them constantly updated to avoid risks.
Don’t underestimate the power of a strong password. Lock all your devices with passcodes, enable two-step verification whenever possible, and create passwords that are hard to crack. It is also advisable that you do not use the same password on different profiles or platforms. Likewise, do not create a profile or register on a website or app without knowing for sure that it is trustworthy.