Ensure your online security with these tips

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The recent Playstation security breach has opened many Internet users’ eyes to the importance of online security. If the wrong person gets their hands on your information, there is a chance that the outcome could be detrimental. Luckily, there are plenty of easy steps you can take to better protect your online identity.

Use an encrypted connection

Encrypted connections are relatively easy to find on many of the most popular sites including Facebook and Twitter. Sometimes, you need to change the privacy settings in order to gain encrypted access. Once that is done, however, it can make your information much more secure.

You may determine whether or not you have encrypted access simply by checking the URL. If the URL begins with “https” instead of “http” you have an encrypted connection. Unfortunately, some sites do not offer encrypted access so this is not always a choice.

Use strong passwords

Strong passwords are unbelievably easy to create and can make a great difference in online security. Using a combination of numbers, symbols, spaces and upper- and lowercase letters can help to create a strong password. If you can’t see yourself using a ton of different characters, at least be sure to use a password that can’t easily be guessed.

Also, you’ll want to use a unique password for each site. If one site is hacked into, your password to that site may become vulnerable. Having the same password for multiple other sites will make the information stored on those sites vulnerable as well.

Look out for phishing

Phishing is essentially when a hacker poses as a respected company, like a bank, in order to acquire sensitive information from people. It is fairly common due to its relative ease, since all the hackers need is your name and email address.

The recent data breach suffered by Epsilon is a perfect example of how phishing can occur. The people that hacked Epsilon’s network immediately gained access to thousands of email addresses and therefore had the opportunity to get sensitive, personal information from people.

These three tips are unbelievably easy to follow through with and instantly increase your online security. If you’d like more information on protecting your online identity, check out this article.