How To Increase Your Cybersecurity For 2024

Give your New Year’s Resolution a much-needed upgrade.

Sometimes the most effective resolutions for the new year are the most practical ones. And while telling your friends that you’re taking control of your data privacy in 2024 might get some blank stares in response, you’re going to be way better off in the long run.

Thanks to the cybersecurity experts at Incogni, it’s never been easy to get your personal information off the internet. Paired with their exclusive Student Beans discount, it’s never been cheaper, either. Here’s how you can start taking the first steps when it comes to increasing your cybersecurity for the new year!

Utilize A Password Manager

You might think that you’re clever when choosing your password, but most passwords can be easily cracked within a few minutes. Seriously. And even the complex ones suggested to you can get cracked in about 8 hours. The golden number is 18 characters in your password, but who can honestly remember that?

By using a password manager, you only need to remember one master password to have access to all your other passcodes. Your info becomes virtually uncrackable by having complex, unique passwords for every account (because we’re all guilty of reusing passwords).

Add Multi-Factor Authentication

Also known as 2-factor authentication is another underutilized tool when it comes to cybersecurity. According to recent research, 80% of people don’t use multi-factor authentication because it’s too complicated or too much of a hassle.

Having a password just isn’t enough anymore, especially when it comes to sensitive information. 2-factor authentication is a must-have for 2024.

Increase Privacy With A VPN

You might think you’re slick by using an Incognito tab, but it really isn’t doing much in terms of your privacy. A lot of people actually still have access to your information, even when you’re “incognito.” Thankfully, with VPNs being much more accessible, you an truly browse in total privacy.

Hackers have a hard time tracing your IP address when you’re using a VPN, and all of your information is encrypted. Unfortunately, only 31% of people have ever used a VPN when the reality is it should be 100%.

Get Antivirus Software

Just about everyone knows about antivirus software—about 74% of people have at least heard of it. The problem is only 56.7% of people actually use it. Most computers have built-in antivirus software now, but it’s worth it to upgrade to commercial software if you’re still feeling a little unsure.

Over 1 million malware programs are floating around, so it feels silly to browse without an extra layer of protection. Plus, the software runs in the background, so you won’t even notice it while you’re working.

Use Firewall Prevention Tactics

Firewalls don’t deal with any potential threats but rather prevent them from showing up in the first place. They prevent hackers from getting that first jump into your software and prevent any movement if your device is breached.

Essentially, a firewall prevents people from accessing your computer and having any data leak from it. The barrier stops both incoming and outgoing internet traffic, so it’s a great way to halt anyone in their tracks who’s messing around in your personal information.

Save 55% on Incogni’s annual plan when you use Student Beans

This post is a sponsored post in partnership with Incogni.