Safety is a top priority for everyone. As humans, we are instinctively wired to want to keep ourselves safe. There are a lot of different things that people have to keep track of in their lives these days. You take precautions every day to protect yourself and your belongings. You lock your doors and windows, set an alarm system, and keep an eye on your surroundings. But are you as conscientious about protecting your digital valuables? In the same way that you secure access to your home and possessions, there are things you need to safeguard online.

As digital technology becomes more and more commonplace, it’s important to be aware of what you need to protect in the digital space. Depending on your environment and what you value, you have to tailor your safety measures accordingly. By being mindful of the ways in which your data can be accessed and used, you can help reduce the risk of identity theft, fraud, and other malicious activity.

Here is what we need to protect online:

Your computer, phone, and other personal devices 

The internet can be a dangerous place, full of malicious software waiting to wreak havoc on your computer. Computers have come a long way since their inception. They are now faster, more powerful, and more versatile than ever before. However, this comes at a price. As computer viruses become increasingly sophisticated, the damage they can cause is also increasing. 

You probably know that viruses are bad, but it might surprise you to know just how destructive these programs can be. Hackers can now create programs that spy on users, steal sensitive information, and disrupt entire systems. No one is safe from these cyber attacks – not even governments or large organizations. Prevention is the best defense against these threats, and that requires being vigilant about your browsers, what device settings you use, and more.

Online accounts

As you go about your day, do you ever stop and think about how many online accounts you have? Probably not – but you should! The average person has around 100 online accounts. When you factor in emails, social media, online banking, online shopping, insurance, and other services, the number of accounts skyrockets.

It’s important to keep track of all your online accounts and make sure they’re secure. But don’t fret! Managing all those passwords can be daunting, but not all accounts are created equal. Financial accounts require a higher level of security than your online gym account membership. Knowing which accounts matter most is critical to your overall security.

Online identity

Identity theft is a serious problem that can lead to financial loss and enormous hassle, and identity thieves are always on the lookout for new victims. To avoid becoming a victim, it’s important to monitor your credit report and be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.

Identity thieves like to open new credit card accounts, take out loans, and file for government benefits in your name. If you aren’t actively monitoring your identity, the first hint of a problem may be too late to avoid financial loss and enormous hassle. 

Here are just a sample of the hundreds of significant data breaches of the last few years: