How to Boost Your Web Security in 2022

web security

Today, the media is full of news about password leaks, data breaches, and cryptocurrency thefts, making it difficult to not worry about your web security. In this guide, you will discover ten tips on how to improve your web security.

Basic Web Security Practices

Choose a Strong Password

One of the most basic web security measures for anyone using the internet is to choose a strong password. Regardless of whether you are using your email, an online wallet or cryptocurrency exchange, you need to create a strong password.

To achieve this, ensure you make your password as random as possible, include symbols, numbers and lower and capital letters as well as ensure the password is long enough. This will ensure you create a password that is almost impossible to guess.

Also, it is important to ensure that all your passwords should be different as not all websites are as secure as they make you think and data leaks can happen. In the event your data leaks, your password will end up in the wrong hands leaving all your accounts compromised.

Use a Password Manager

By choosing a strong password, you are one step ahead in boosting your web security. However, given that most people deal with multiple websites that all require passwords, it can be unbearable creating strong passwords and remembering all the characters used. In such cases, a password manager comes in handy as it can be used to encrypt and store all your passwords.

Password managers are designed to effectively manage different passphrases as well as identify weak and duplicate passwords. Password managers, therefore, help you to create and use very complex passwords without worrying about memorising them all.

Depending on the password manager you choose, you can enjoy increased protection thanks to features such as security strength indicators and automated password changes, among others. As long as your master password is kept safe, you can be 100 percent sure that your passwords are safe.

Popular password managers include:

Install an Anti-Virus Program

If you want to stay safe online, you need to invest in a proper anti-virus program. Without a good anti-virus program, your devices are exposed to various threats making it easy for hackers to gain access to your data and if you are a digital currency user, also to your crypto holdings.

There are various anti-virus programs that you can choose from. For extra security, crypto enthusiasts should get an anti-virus program that also protects against cryptocurrency mining malware because digital currency mining malware cases have been on the rise and the right program can help protect your privacy.

Most importantly, always ensure that your anti-virus program is up to date at all times to prevent any attacks and to protect yourself.

Popular anti-virus programs include:

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

One of the most common tools used for account protection is two-factor authentication (2FA). By using 2FA, you are adding a second layer of security to your account, which ensures that your account cannot be accessed just by simply entering the password.

If your account has 2FA enabled, you will be required to verify your identity after logging in. This is done through a code that is created by the authenticator and is sent to you via text or email.

While enabling 2FA tool ensures that your digital currencies are secure as it complicates matters for hackers, it does not mean you are 100 percent safe.

Make Use of VPN Services

VPN A virtual private network (VPN) is able to conceal your IP address and create a private network that is secure over the Internet. This means your activities on the internet will be hidden especially when you are surfing on public Wi-Fi.

When dealing with cryptocurrencies, it is important that you do not use any unsafe internet connection as it can leave you exposed to attacks and hacks.

Popular VPNs include:

Bitcoin User Web Security Practices

Additionally, to the basic web security practices listed above, digital currency users should take extra care when navigating online.

Below, you will find additional web security practices to follow if you hold digital currency.

Use Online and Offline Wallets

If you own large amounts of cryptocurrency, it is important to ensure you use both online and offline wallets. Online (or mobile) wallets should be used for small transactions and trading while offline wallets should be used to store the bulk of your investment holdings.

Offline holdings, such as hardware wallets and paper wallets are effectively impossible to hack, which is why the majority of your holding should be kept in so-called “cold wallets” offline.

Create Private Key Backups

Given that cryptocurrencies use private keys that are required to access the holdings, it is vital to create backups and own several copies of the same.

This is very important, especially in the event you lose your USB stick, hardware wallet or the notebook with your keys. Store the backups of your private keys safely in a place known to you.

Centralised Exchanges are not 100 Percent Secure

Hackers find cryptocurrency exchanges very attractive. On centralised exchanges, you do not have full control of your assets, making it dangerous to store all or a large sum of cryptocurrency on them.

Given that dozens of cryptocurrency exchanges have been hacked in the past, it is important not to store large amounts of digital asset holdings on them because of the potential risk of losing your funds.

Watch Out for Fake Websites

There are lots of websites that have been built with the aim of scamming cryptocurrency users. While it is relatively easy to distinguish between a real and fake website, there are some exceptions.

When making purchases online on any website, ensure you double check the website before sending your bitcoin to any merchant or exchange.

Double Check the Address

Bitcoin Logo Cryptocurrency addresses are long and alphanumerical. Most people would rather copy and paste instead of writing the address letter for letter.

However, there are malicious programs that can alter the copy and paste process by pasting an entirely different address that belongs to a hacker. To prevent this, always ensure you double-check your address before making any bitcoin transactions.