Not a week goes by without a case of data breach worldwide. Schools, social media accounts, websites, factories, and government agencies are victims of attacks, especially when their protection levels are below par.

While you can’t save the world from these online breaches, you can take a cue by being more secure about your activities. Thankfully, there are many measures you can take to protect your data, devices, and privacy.

This article explains five simple steps you can take to do that. Read on!

1. Use Unique Passwords for Every Login

This is simple. Many people have one password they can easily remember and stick to it for every login. While that sounds convenient, you’ll be prone to attacks from malicious criminals who can obtain your username and password combinations from one source.

Once the combination logs in, they’ll check every digital footprint you have that requires passwords. Imagine the horror of criminals getting into your banking platform and making away with your hard-earned money.

The best way to avoid this scenario is to use a strong, unique password for every online account.

2. Get a VPN

You’ve probably heard about a VPN. If you can, get one and use it. Sometimes, we come across Wi-Fi networks with free internet. In most cases, such networks are unsafe and may steal your data sent from your mobile device or laptop computer.

The hotspot owner might be a thief baiting people for their personal information. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, routing the connection through a server owned by the VPN company, cutting every access to your data.

3. Clear Your Cache Regularly

Your cache stores a lot of information about your browser activities, including saved cookies, searches, web history, address, family information, etc. Since you’re not quite sure what it holds, protect yourself by wiping the cache clean regularly.

Depending on your browser type and settings, you can clear some stored data, especially from sites you no longer interact with.

4. Turn Off the ‘Save Password’ Feature in Browsers

This is another simple thing to do. Many browsers make provisions for built-in password management. With that, you can save a password so you don’t need to log in afresh.

However, experts do not recommend using using this method. Malicious software can creep into your device. Enter your password each time you want to use a platform through your browser.

5. Watch Out for Clickbait or Phishing Scams 

Don’t fall prey to clickbaits and phishing scams. You must be smart not to click any link with catchy headlines to videos, files, and other media. Such links can trick you into giving them your credentials.

When the links come in emails or text messages you don’t trust, avoid them or delete them from the source. Such messages are mostly compromised, and clicking gives hackers access to your social media accounts and banking details.

Conclusion

There you go! You can do these simple things to make a difference and protect yourself from cybercriminals. Double up on your passwords and use a VPN where necessary, particularly with free internet connections.

Avoid features in your device that store your passwords and other vital information, especially if you need help understanding how it treats your data.