Securing Your Digital Identity Using PC Antivirus Software
Most of us are already familiar with the basics of online security. Today, nearly everyone’s device has security tool (like PC antivirus software) and people have basic knowledge about cyber-threats. However, that type of protection is sometimes absent on social media channels where people usually share their identities online. The loopholes in security have made social platforms the entryway of cybercriminals to conduct massive data breaches, exposing valuable personal data.
Because these websites are outside network firewalls, it is not enough to rely on traditional security methods. It is important that we also make ourselves responsible in protecting our identities online.
In this article, we will share with you some tips on how you can make your digital identity less vulnerable to leaks or criminals.
What is Your Digital Identity?
Your digital identity is made up of important details about yourself which is available on the Internet. They are information that can be attributed to you, such as a user name or Social Security number, or something vague, such as your online comments or search activities.
People who often go online share some of their data attributes to register on a website, make online purchases, or access bank accounts. Sharing certain types of your personal data including your full name, date of birth, and financial information can put you at risk of having your identity stolen. However, is inevitable to share some information about ourselves in a technology-oriented world. Because of this, it is pivotal to protect yourself and all your devices with the help of some sound practices and good PC antivirus software like Comodo Internet Security.
1. Check Security Settings
People usually have short attention spans. We want to shorten the process as much as possible without disturbing our routines. However, this can bring some troubles if we are not cautious.
It is vital to always check the permissions and settings enabled in your software, and control them as necessary before checking the consent box. Many social media applications and tools monitors your browsing behavior for marketing purposes.
2. Consider Upgrading to Paid Versions of Software
Various programs or applications today that are free usually gather personal data to have an overview of people's preferences. Companies adopt this information to improve experiences for their users.
As a user, it is up to you to decide whether a free access to a software or app is a worthy exchange for your data. If you want to protect your online identity at all cost, it is better to invest in the paid version, where you can modify your privacy settings.
3. Manage Your Passwords
As you need to sign up on different websites to be able to use them, you probably have lots of online accounts with similar passwords. It is impossible to remember hundreds of passwords that is why majority of us use a default password for all our accounts. While this makes our life easier, it is dangerous.
If you want to have several different passwords, use a password manager. This tool allows you to create, store, and automatically fill up forms for any site or app you use, with only a single master key. Download this software to get both security and convenience.
4. Say No to Strangers
People are inherently nice to the people they meet. But because of the threats present in the online world, we must all learn how to safeguard ourselves. Do not easily accept friend or connection requests from someone you don’t know, even if you have mutual friends or they have an enticing profile. A fake account might try to befriend you to bait you on a phishing link. The best option for you is to only accept connection requests from people you know.
5. Investigate and Evaluate
Aside from being careful of the people you add on your social media accounts, you should also take the time to go through your current friends or followers. Check if your current connections are really people you know or related to you. There are some of them who might look familiar but is unknown upon further inspection. Dig deeper before accepting requests or responding to a message to ensure you are not giving away important information to the wrong person.
6. Install Antivirus Program
Antivirus program is the most basic protection that a computer needs to detect and eliminate real-time threats, as well as stop them from accessing important data and other company resources.
If you are looking for the best PC antivirus software, choose Comodo Internet Security. It features antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-rootkit features. We monitor the activities of all applications and block any action that could damage your operating system and personal data.
