We are used to digital technologies taking up a large part of our lives, but by using electronic cards, smartphones and other know-how on a daily basis, we forget (or are not interested in) simple security rules. Do you think fraudsters will still track their victim in the dark deserted streets? No, now they are interested in other «dark places». Lack of knowledge poses a danger not only to our virtual but also to real life. Especially if you are just a user who is not directly involved in the development of information technology. January 28 – International Day for Personal Data Protection, so we decided to take care of readers of Zhytomyr.Travel and remind simple rules of digital security

Have you ever wondered where and how many times you left information about yourself that was enough, for example, to get loans? We won’t scare anyone, but imagine that it is not so difficult for a knowledgeable person (sometimes called a hacker) to find out your account password and use it to log in to your bank account. Fantasy? No, only a lack of knowledge about personal data protection. To avoid annoying situations, listen to simple tips that will stop digital scammers.
Why do you need to know this?
Each of us has at least once had a situation where the account of an acquaintance suddenly begins to spread some spam, or a request to borrow money, or something like that. You probably already know why this happens: the account is «broken». But if you follow the classic safety rules, you can avoid certain problems. In general, there are a few simple but important rules in digital security.
1. Use difficult passwords
Do you often use the password «1111», «123456» or your date of birth? Keeper Security notes that these are the most popular passwords in the world. To protect against global leaks of the password database by any company, it is recommended to use different passwords for all sites. How to come up with a really strong password? We have a strong password recipe for you: use uppercase and lowercase letters, special characters and numbers. According to research from Harvard University, passwords made exclusively of numbers or letters are the least resistant to burglary. You can enter a passphrase that only you know. Another question: where do you store passwords? On a sticker, under the keyboard or in a notebook, or maybe on the gadget itself? This is too irresponsible and should not be done. Keep passwords in your head or in reliable services. We could suggest a couple more password storage life hacks, but then we will reveal our own secrets.
2. Use ad blockers
Blockers are not an element of digital security, as it is not known for sure whether they collect data and in what form, but they are still recommended for use. Everyone chooses to use an ad blocker at their own discretion. It requires almost no in-depth setup, works on the principle of «installed and forgotten», but a simple option helps not only to avoid viewing unwanted advertising, but also protects against many types of threats.
3. Do not open suspicious emails or websites
Clicking on unintelligible links or messages in messengers is not a good idea. Think first – then click! Some of the websites may contain malicious files, so do not open a suspicious resource and do not download files from the emails of strangers. Be a little careful in providing information online. Such prudence is not only natural, but also safe.
4. Use a VPN
VPN is a virtual private network (short for Virtual Private Network), an encrypted tunnel between two devices that allows you to access any site and online service confidentially and securely. Using a VPN protects against IP leaks (and more) and keeps analytics from being tied directly to you, encrypts traffic, and hides a lot of other information. Using a VPN is a good way to avoid data interception. Because your data is encrypted, neither hackers, nor the government, nor even ISPs will access it while you are connected to a VPN server. VPN is one of the most effective tools for data protection when using a public Wi-Fi network. Many routers have serious vulnerabilities, and by using a VPN, you reduce the potential risks.
This is just a minimal list of cybersecurity rules that should become a habit for conscious users in today’s digital world. Digital literacy today is as much a necessary skill as knowledge of traffic rules. Master these simple rules and be careful. Who owns the information, owns the world!