Are you aware of how vulnerable your personal information is when you go online? Nowadays, online messaging apps have become part and parcel of communication with your loved ones and business partners. However, with the rise of cybercrime, you need to protect yourself from hackers and scammers who are working around the clock to steal your data or personal identity. So how can you protect yourself? Here are some tips that will help you to keep your identity safe and secure.

Use Two-Factor Authentication 🔑

Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to provide additional proof of identity before accessing your account. You may have to provide a code sent to your phone number or a fingerprint that confirms it’s you trying to access the account. This helps to keep hackers from gaining unauthorized access to your account, and it is usually easy to set up on most messaging apps.

Person clicking on the two-factor authentication button on a phone

Be Careful of Phishing Scams 🎣

Phishing is a popular technique used by scammers to obtain your personal information by sending emails or messages that look legitimate, but they are not. They usually try to trick you into giving them sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers by pretending to be a reputable company or website. Be careful not to click on suspicious links as they may direct you to a fake website that steals your information.

Email icon with a fishhook on a computer screen

Beware of Public Wi-Fi Networks 📶

Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, and hackers can easily intercept your data when you are connected to them. It’s best to avoid logging in to personal accounts when using such networks as they are unencrypted, and your sensitive data is open to the public. If you need to use public Wi-Fi, ensure you use a virtual private network (VPN) that encrypts your data to prevent any snooping.

Person using a laptop while drinking coffee in a café with a sign saying "Free Wi-Fi"

Keep Your Operating Systems and Apps Updated 📲

Hackers usually target apps or outdated operating systems that have vulnerabilities that can be exploited. Ensure you keep your operating system and apps updated to be safe from the latest exploits since updates usually come with patches that close any exploits that hackers may have been using to attack.

Phone with an update notification setting on a desk

Don’t Share Personal Information with Strangers 🙅‍♀️

Be careful when sharing personal information online with strangers. They may pretend to be your friend, but they could be lying to you. Never share too much personal information with them, especially your home address, social security number, or credit card information.

Person holding a sign that says "Don't share personal information with strangers"

Conclusion

The most important thing when it comes to online messaging is to be vigilant and aware of your surroundings. You should not leave your personal information lying around as this will make you an easy target for hackers. With the tips above, you should be able to protect yourself and keep your data safe.

A person holding a smartphone with a shield over it

Remember, safety comes first, and always stay safe online. 👋👀

Image descriptions

Two-Factor Authentication: Person clicking on the two-factor authentication button on a phone.

Phishing Scams: Email icon with a fishhook on a computer screen.

Public Wi-Fi Networks: Person using a laptop while drinking coffee in a café with a sign saying “Free Wi-Fi”.

Keep Your Operating Systems and Apps Updated: Phone with an update notification setting on a desk.

Don’t Share Personal Information with Strangers: Person holding a sign that says “Don’t share personal information with strangers”.

Conclusion: A person holding a smartphone with a shield over it.