Maintaining your privacy online and while using your tech devices is crucial, especially in this day and age in which hacking is becoming more ubiquitous. Luckily, there’s a setting for that. In fact, there are a number of settings that you can take advantage of that can help keep your private data completely private. Tech experts say these four life-saving privacy settings should be turned on now to offer better security and protection.
Two-Factor Authentication
By enabling 2FA, users add an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of authentication in addition to a password, says Alister Wood, a developer and engineer who runs a SaaS company called VisitUs. “This means that even if someone manages to obtain the user’s password, they would still need access to the other factor before gaining access — significantly reducing the risk of unauthorized access and protecting sensitive data,” Wood says.
The advantages provided by 2FA are clear, Wood adds: not only does it provide additional protection against hacking attempts but also helps prevent identity theft or fraud due to stolen passwords or accounts being accessed without permission. “As many online services now require some form of two-factor authentication for added security measures when logging in or making payments — having this enabled beforehand can save time and hassle later on down the line,” Wood says.
Change Your Default Search Engine
If you’re using Google, for example, switch to a different provider like Bing or Yahoo! that doesn’t track your activity so closely, says Robin Salvador, the chief marketing officer of KodeKloud.
Disable Tracking Cookies
Disable tracking cookies and other data collection practices, Salvador says. “These cookies let websites know which pages you’ve visited and help them create targeted ads,” he says.
Use a VPN
“Use a VPN if you’re worried about surveillance by the government or hackers,” Salvador says. “A virtual private network encrypts all of your traffic, making it harder for anyone monitoring your online activity to see what you’re up to.” And it’s especially important to use a VPN when you’re using a public internet connection.
The best method to keep yourself safe is an ounce of prevention — start by adjusting these setting to work for you.
