How can you help ensure the data security of your family?

Data breaches have become more common in the last few years. This is concerning for some reasons, but most importantly, it makes you worry about the security of your personal data. In this article, our team wants to help you understand the risks of data breaches and provide some preventive measures to help safeguard your family’s information. To view the list of the reliable tools that can help, check out our round-up of the best security programs for 2022. We’ll also discuss a few things you may do to help protect your family in the meantime!

Security Concerns When Using Public Wi-Fi Networks

Many people use accessible public Wi-Fi networks when they’re on the go. These Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured and open to any user who connects to the network. This enables cybercriminals to gain access and intercept your information. This is great for saving on data, but it can create a security risk if you’re not careful.

To help protect your family, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN establishes a secure connection between you and your destination before sending sensitive information over the internet. As a result, hackers have no possibility to steal or intercept your data through an open Wi-Fi network.

A VPN is the most effective way to protect against potential data breaches on public Wi-Fi networks. Think of a VPN as a private tunnel that connects your computer to another, potentially remote network. With a VPN, you may route any information you send and receive to the connected network. Similar to how tunnels travel on public roads. Sign up for an account with Astrill today and set up your VPN at home or on the go!

Precautions for Summer Vacation in Public Places

You might have heard about the Equifax data breach that exposed the personal information of millions of people. This breach occurred because an Equifax employee used the company’s unsecured public Wi-Fi network to access private files. You should be aware of the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks and protect yourself against data breaches.

There are a few things you can do to help protect yourself and your family when going out in public:

1. Use a VPN: We know you’ve heard this one before, but it’s essential! A VPN will encrypt all communications and keep your online activities private. Use a VPN when connecting to an unsecured Wi-Fi network.
2. Don’t use secret accounts: Never use public Wi-Fi networks to access your accounts, especially those with sensitive data like your bank and credit card information.
3. Keep all programs up to date: Make sure you have the most recent updates for any of your internet browsers or operating systems. These updates often include security patches that help protect you from vulnerabilities in the software.
4. Change Wi-Fi passwords: Make sure to change your Wi-Fi password for major websites, like Facebook, e.g.
5. Monitor your finances: Before hitting the beach or heading out for the day, check your funds online and ensure all of the information is secure.
6. Use an encrypted messaging app: If you have sensitive information you’re concerned about, consider using an encrypted messaging app that encrypts messages and keeps them private. If a person wants access to that data through hacking or other means, they can only see a scrambled version of the message.
7. Beware of public computers: Avoid accessing your email or other sensitive accounts on public computers. They may have hidden spyware that’s able to steal information.

Following these tips help ensure the security of your data in public places. Keep these tips in mind while you’re going on a trip this summer!

How You Can Help Prevent a Data Breach in Your Home

In addition to taking precautionary measures when using public Wi-Fi networks, there are steps you may take at home to prevent a data breach:

• Encrypt Sensitive Files: Ensure you encrypt sensitive information, such as your tax documents and passwords. This is especially important if someone else has access to your computer. If someone steals your computer or laptop, they will have no way of accessing these files without the password. This is an excellent practice to implement on all devices in the home.
• Keep your encrypted info up to date: If the manufacturer of your device offers software updates that fix potential vulnerabilities, you should ensure all devices have those updates installed. Additionally, download any security patches that may be available from the manufacturer or software developer of the operating system (OS).
• Scan Your Computer: Regularly scan your computer for malware. This protects you from potential threats others might try to install on your computer without your knowledge.
• Restrict Access From a Private Network Connections: You may restrict access to programs and files, such as saving files or opening documents with accessibility tools, when connected to a private network. This can help protect against data theft if a computer is stolen or hacked.

It’s important to remember that public Wi-Fi networks are inherently insecure and should only be used for quick tasks like checking email. If you need to log into your bank account or send sensitive information, use a VPN and secure connection to protect yourself from hackers and unwanted surveillance.

With all this in mind, there is still no substitute for suitable old-fashioned security measures like using complex passwords that feature a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Using a complex password will also limit the number of attempts required to guess your info. If you must use a public Wi-Fi network, remember to use a VPN or other security measures to protect yourself against potential threats.

Conclusion

We hope we have given you some good advice on protecting yourself and your family from data theft. The internet isn’t always safe, especially when using public Wi-Fi networks. Unfortunately, criminals are always looking for ways to hack into networks and steal information, which ultimately puts you at risk. A VPN will help keep your data secure and private while you connect to a public Wi-Fi network. To protect your family, follow our tips for staying safe while using public Wi-Fi networks! We hope you have a safe and fun summer!