Have you experienced what they call “journey through digital hell”? This happens when hackers can get the keys to your digital life, allowing them to scrub your laptop, iPhone and iPad, hijack Twitter or Facebook accounts and delete several-years-worth of email from your email accounts.

There are several ways to help improve your Online Security:

1. Use Two-Factor Authentication with Gmail and Other Accounts

Gmail and other services offer two-factor authentication that help secure your account even if your password is stolen or cracked.

2. Use SSL or a VPN with Public Wifi

When logging into accounts from public WiFis, make sure to use SSL login pages (https). The Electronic Frontier Foundation’s HTTPS Everywhere tool can helpfully do this for you. Even better, use a virtual private network (VPN) to protect your data.

3. Use Unique Passwords

Don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.

4. Use Complex Passwords for Important Accounts

Online accounts are hacked due to weak passwords, so strong passwords are  only one part of good online security habits. Passwords should be longer than eight characters and include letters, numbers and characters .

5. Don’t Link Accounts

The hackers are able to take control of other accounts because of linking for automatic log-in. Keep log-ins separate for different accounts.

6. Get Creative With Security Questions

Create unique answers for each site that requires a security question and keep them stored in your password manager.

7. Back Up Your System

Storage is not expensive these days and automated backups are so easy to set up that there’s no excuse not to keep copies of your important data.

8. Encrypt and Password-Protect Devices

To prevent someone from accessing your data and the password storage tool you have on your devices, encrypt the data on your devices and password-protect them.

9. Use Single-Use Credit Cards

Citibank, Bank of America and Discover all offer disposable card numbers that are tied to your real card number, but prevent that number from being exposed if a site is hacked.

Source: Google News