Nowadays, the internet is a huge part of our lives. We pay bills online, use online banking, buy video games, talk to friends and family, and so much more. Making sure your personal and financial information is safe should be your number one priority.
The rise of cyber threats resulted in the fast development of the cyber security field, with new products and updates available daily. Users can download various tools to ensure their devices and data are secure. From an ad blocker to a VPN and firewall, we bring you a list of security tools everyone should have on their computers. Let’s begin!
Cyber Security Tools
Table of Contents
1. Password manager
You are probably familiar with the dangers of using the same password for all your online accounts. But some of us still do it because it is easier to remember. If you want to bring your online security to the next level, we suggest you try a password manager. This nifty security tool will keep your login information for various websites and even generate secure passwords for you.
All you need to do is remember the password for your password manager, and you can review all your login information within a single app. The login credentials will be neatly listed and organized. Even if one of your accounts gets compromised, you can be sure that cybercriminals won’t be able to break into your other accounts.
2. Antivirus software
Antivirus software is an essential tool for anyone who uses the internet today. It is created to detect and protect your device from any cyber attack that includes malicious software. And the best part is that you can enable automatic updates and scans, so your device will be protected around the clock. There is no need to scan it manually.
Instead, antivirus software detects dangerous software, then isolates and deletes the threat before it does damage to the system. With so many different antivirus software out there, it might be tough to choose the one that suits your needs. So make sure you read the reviews before you purchase the app or subscription.
3. Ad blockers
Everyone knows how annoying ads and popups can be. They might completely ruin the browsing experience on some websites and even redirect you to links with malware. Fortunately, you can use an ad blocker to prevent the ads from showing up on various websites and videos. An ad blocker can be installed on any browser.
An ad blocker will make a web page more readable without the flashing banners in the middle of the text. Additionally, most ad blockers can stop advertisers from tracking your browsing habits. It is important to mention that most free websites make money through ads. If you want to support them, consider disabling your ad blocker while viewing the content of your favorite websites.
4. VPNs
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are one of the most popular privacy tools available today. Besides hiding your IP address, a VPN can be helpful for users who like to connect to unsecured Wi-Fi networks while on the move. These networks could be used by cybercriminals to steal personal information from unsuspecting users and monitor their online activity.
Encryption is one of the best features of VPNs because it protects your online traffic. You can be sure that no third parties will have access to your browsing history and the data you send or receive. Besides being one of the most convenient security tools, a VPN can give you access to geo-blocked websites and so much more.
5. Two-factor authentication
If you are concerned about protecting your online accounts, enable two-factor authentication whenever you can. Typically, all you need to do is type in your username and password, and you’ll get access to an account. Two-factor authentication requires one extra step, usually a code that is sent to your phone or email account.
Even if someone gets their hands on your login credentials, they won’t be able to do much if you have two-factor authentication. Most websites and services offer two-factor authentication, so make sure you switch it on. You never know when it could be of use.
6. Firewall
Sometimes antivirus software is not enough to keep you safe from malware and viruses. A firewall could be an excellent addition to your device. This tool monitors the data you receive and alerts you if something seems wrong. When a firewall detects malware or anything that stands out, it is instantly blocked.
This tool will prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your device and stop any spyware from entering the system. It will warn you about malicious websites before you load them, which can be helpful. Additionally, a firewall allows you to mark safe apps to prevent frequent sound alerts.
Also Read: How to Get Into Cyber Security
