Nowadays everyone can use their laptops and phones all over the town, free WI-FI is available at every corner, from shops and restaurants to most public spaces, this is great but at the same time, it leaves you at the risk of many things. So if you are on public WI-FI, this can be a good way for hackers nearby to steal your data. But don’t be afraid just yet, there are easy ways you can avoid this! Here are some effective tips that will protect your tax data from hackers!
Don’t check your personal information
So obviously, there will be a time when you run out of internet but still need to use it, so you use the free public WI-FI. This means avoid accessing your bank account or use your credit card while being connected to the public internet. Sure, it’s convenient, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry! Always use a secure internet connection!
Use reliable apps
Apps are such a common thing, nowadays you can find one for literally anything. But it’s not all fun and games, especially when you use applications to handle something like finances, you surely don’t want to download just any budgeting app. Experts from keepertax.com state that finding a trustworthy app with a lot of reviews and users. This way you will ensure that you are using a reliable platform, especially when dealing with such important data.
Have a good password
A lot of people are forgetting the importance of having a good password, especially if you are more likely to use public internet. Knowing the dangers of having a weak password will surely change your mind. You probably use your phone for many important accounts and apps, and you need to protect your data well – 8 characters with numbers and uppercase letters is the way to go. You can always use another form of added protection like encryption features and things like that. But just know that every added safety precaution can save you in the long run!
Don’t click on everything
It’s common knowledge that pop up messages are a thing – don’t open them in any case. Even if someone you might know sent you a link out of the blue, it’s a sign something is not going well.You can attract all sorts and kinds of viruses and unwanted attention from the hackers. The consequences of clicking a random link are pretty big! This kind of lecture needs to be spread amongst kids and amongst older people who might be new to the internet. Same goes with spam email, or spam messages in general, just ignore them and you’ll be good.
Turn off unnecessary options
So if you don’t turn off unnecessary options on your phone solely for battery drainage – you might want to add the fact that bluetooth and GPS can be hacked! This is an easy way for people to get your data, so you might want to stop keeping it on, when you don’t need it. Now, don’t completely stop using these things, just don’t have them on all the time!
Clear history
An easy way to ensure your safety, even a little bit, is by deleting your internet browser history. This will help clear out cache data and files that could be used by hackers to breach your phone – by getting rid of them often, you’ll reduce the risk of getting hacked!
Protect your devices
Regardless If you are using a phone or a laptop, you need an antivirus software asap! Once you choose the best possible security software for you, make sure you remember to update it once a new version comes out, this way you’ll ensure the quality and safety of your devices. Having a firewall and an anti-virus installed on your computer can truly save you the troubles, and especially when you are doing lots of downloading data – this is a must have!
Pay attention to details
A lot of websites and apps will ask the common line ‘’save information for the next time’’ , and this can be pretty tricky. Essentially you’ll be storing your basic information and password of important accounts, even for finances, for later use, as it’s easier to sign up again. You should probably skip that part, even if it’s faster and more convenient, it’s better to type in manually every time than to have your data stolen. Right?
At the end of the day, your safety is in your hands, so if you do everything that is deemed a precaution – you’ll be fine. Hacker attacks are more or less common, but on the other hand these tips are so easy to use, it’s better to implement them in your daily life than be scammed later. Being safe is always better than being sorry later!
