Securing your data is more valuable than ever before in this digital age. Every move made online — from clicking on links, shopping, and checking emails to even using social media — can serve as a breadcrumb that criminals can exploit.
During the third quarter of 2024, 422.61 million data records were leaked across the globe due to data breaches alone. Luckily, there are a number of extensive measures you can take to make sure your data remains secure.
Why Data Protection Matters
The value of data privacy is unquestionable. Information like your name, address, credit card information, and even your active online behavior is extremely profitable for cybercriminals. These people have the potential to compromise your identity and commit financial fraud.
Phishing scams and ransomware are now more prevalent. Because of this, understanding which measures to take when protecting data is critical. In fact, in 2021, more than 40 million people in the United States reported falling victim to identity theft. Thus, here are some ways that can effectively secure your information and are also simple to implement.
1. Use Reliable Private DNS for Improved Online Security
When thinking about online protection, the most forgotten factor is the Domain Name System (DNS). A DNS changes domain names into IP addresses and is comparable to a digital compass that locates where you want to go on the web. With a regular DNS provided by your ISP, your personal information and browsing history are accessible to others.
The opposite is true with private DNS. These services can ensure that online activity tracking does not happen at all. By selecting a reputable private DNS provider, your data will not fall into the hands of surveillance, and your privacy will remain guaranteed.
2. Set a Secured Wi-Fi Connection With a Private DNS Service
Your personal data is best protected by securing your home Wi-Fi network. Inadequate encryption on your Wi-Fi connection will leave it susceptible to listening in, and hackers will be able to take sensitive data with extreme ease. To avoid this risk, change the default name and password that your internet service provider set up for your Wi-Fi. Also, add encryption through WPA3, the latest standard, as well as keeping the firmware of your router up to date.
In addition to this, routers and networks can also use a private DNS service, which will add extra security by encrypting your DNS queries. In doing so, hackers will not be able to redirect you to harmful websites.
3. Use Two-Factor Verification (2FA)
To further improve the security of your accounts, enabling 2FA is essential. It is a simple but effective approach to protecting your accounts. Even when a hacker steals your password, they will still have to gain access to your second authentication method to force their way in. There are numerous services on the web today, ranging from banking applications to social media platforms, that provide two-step verification for free, making it simple for people to protect their data.
4. Beware of Phishing Scams Using Untrusted DNS Servers
Cybercriminals insidiously use phishing to extract sensitive details from their targets, chiefly through the use of dubious DNS servers. They tend to sabotage these servers in order to trick you into entering fake websites that appear legitimate to extract your passwords or credit card details.
In order to defend from this menace, one should consider using a private DNS service that encrypts DNS queries to make sure that one is connecting to real websites. In addition, it is very important to confirm emails before opening them. Do not open links that seem dubious, and be prudent with your private details.
5. Do Not Forget to Update Your Software Regularly
Maintaining up-to-date software on all devices is equally crucial as having private DNS. It is very important always to install all updates on operating systems and browsers frequently. Malicious software and viruses are easily adaptable and target systems on the lookout for unpatched vulnerabilities. Promptly installing patches helps users avoid the negative impact posed by cyber threats.
6. The Importance of Staying Informed
Threats in cybersecurity are always evolving. Thus, to stay protected, your data requires that you remain attentive. One of the most important practices that should be regularly done is subscribing to reputable security newsletters or even taking online courses. Doing this will keep you abreast with the latest emerging risks. Moreover, active private DNS education helps greatly in intercepting breaches and protecting against emerging risks.
Conclusion
To guarantee data security, it is essential to take the necessary steps. Employing complex passwords, encryption, private DNS, and following safe internet practices are all measures that lower the chances of an intrusion. Additionally, people need to stay aware and revise their security practices periodically. While no method can guarantee complete protection, following these measures minimizes access to your personal information and protects your privacy.
