How to Stay Safe Online: Cybersecurity Tips from the HackerNoon Community

As technology advances and our internet dependence for daily activities increases, so does cybercrime. According to CNET, cybercrime is developing and growing fast, reaching faster than ever before. So, it's more important than ever that we each got our tech devices on lock and protected from cyberattacks.

In this thread, the slogging community shares their online security hacks for peaceful and safe web surfing. This Slogging thread occurred in slogging's official #fix-the-internet channel, and has been edited for readability.

"Security threats will likely accelerate in 2022 as cybercriminals refine tried-but-true ransomware methods and look to exploit weaknesses in the software that knits together the internet," says CNET. What tools and strategies do you use to keep yourself safe online?

For my crypto assets a trust wallet. Leaving your stuff on the exchange is far too risky. A trust wallet ensures complete protection at the highest standard.

My social media accounts, double encryption. You can’t be to careful nowadays. EVERYBODY is getting hacked.

Hey!
I like to use VPN, to make sure my IP is secured, there are plenty options in the internet. Also, I discovered the google Authenticator app and know I use it for everything: my work apps, my crypto, everything.

I agree with Jack Boreham, everyone is getting hacked these days haha and I don't want undesirable pics of mine spinning around the internet.

Mónica Freitas, I have no safety whatsoever, not even something covering my webcam. I will definitely follow this thread, I need some tips, Jack Boreham has scared me, haha.

Sara Pinto, sorry I should have left off the caps😂

Have you bought crypto yet?

Jack Boreham, trusted wallet! I'll have to remember that once I get into my entrepreneurial life.

Jack Boreham, is there any app or extension you use for double encryption? Unfortunately, I've never really taken the time to explore how to keep my accounts safe - it's something I've often overlooked.

Daniel Guzman, I never thought of using a VPN for safety purposes. I only used it to trick websites ahahah, but that's a great tip. Could you recommend what program you use?

I'll have to check the Google Authenticator app. It seems pretty handy.

Sara Pinto, same, guilty as charged. We need to up our safety game. Luckily we have a team of specialists right here.

Sara Pinto, go and cover your webcam, though.

Lately, I've become familiar with password sharing apps/websites. Passcamp is a free website and a great place to start if you need to share login details.

Mónica Freitas, sometimes the platform does it itself but I do have a separate Facebook authenticator. If you search on your phones app store, you can get one! Should connect straight up.

Mónica Freitas, I will definitely check out those double encryption options. It's getting more dangerous each time, and I don't want to take any risks.

Jack Boreham, I've had to do the double authentication factor occasionally, not by choice, and as an impatient person, it's annoying. Of course, I understand why it's there, but when you're in a hurry, having to double confirm or triple confirm that you're who you say you are... 😪

Sara Pinto, let me know if you find a good option. There should be a way to authenticate your account by using your fingerprint.

Mónica Freitas, I'm the same, the only time I've done double authentication was because I was obligated, and it bothered me a little. I get that's for our safety, but sometimes it just takes more time than what I have. I usually use the Face ID in the iPhones to make it easier to access some apps and so on, but I'm not sure if it's the best method.

Sara Pinto, oh, I didn't know iPhones could do that. That must come in handy. I'm not sure how safe it is, but I'm assuming it won't hurt. But don't mind me - I don't even have a lock on my phone 😅

Mónica Freitas, the most recent ones have this option, and it's pretty cool, except when we are wearing face masks haha. I question its safety because I can't stop thinking about how Jack Boreham once mentioned the deep fake technology.

Abeer, Limarc Ambalina, how do you keep safe online?

Hey Monica. I actually just use windows defender and run a VPN. But I just practice safe browsing: don't go to sketchy sites, don't download things from strangers lol.

Also have 2FA enabled on almost everywhere that has money involved.

Sara Pinto, ah, the issue of the masks. I bet they weren't counting on it ahahah. Deep fake tech? What's that?

Limarc Ambalina, do you think that those strategies are still enough nowadays? Shouldn't we step up our safety game as cyber-attacks get more sophisticated?

IMO the hardcore hackers want bigger prizes. They won't try to hack you alone, they'll try to hack a database that has all your information. In that sense the onus is on corporations to up their game.

Sara Pinto, I feel like I've scared you 😢

Mónica Freitas, deepfake is a technology that can manipulate faces in images or videos, whether it is generating a new one or replacing someone's face in the visual content. As far as I understood, haha.

Jack Boreham, you made me more cautious! It's a good thing since I have no safety whatsoever haha. I don't think that hacker might want to come after my silly things, but you can't be too careful. Plus, we all should know what to look out for.

Sara Pinto, ah got it! I'm guessing it's easier to find out your password than your biometrical data, but what do I know! At least we now know what strategies to put in place to protect ourselves online 🙌