If you have spent any time online in the last couple of years (and let’s face it, we have all spent a lot of time online in the last couple of years), then you will almost certainly have heard the horror stories about cybercrime, ransomware, and phishing. If you have managed to avoid falling victim to any of these scams yourself, then you probably know someone who didn’t. From big businesses to grandparents, and even schools and colleges, everyone has been targeted and it does not look like things are going to change any time soon. Here are a few tips to help you stay safer online in the months ahead.

Pay For Antivirus Software

Let’s start with a simple one. It is very easy to be complacent about our security software, especially if we are using devices from manufacturers that are very proud of their safety records. However, given the staggering rise in cybercrime, investing in some superior protection is money well spent. Think about upgrading from the free version and giving yourself a little extra security.

Use Trading Markets You Can Trust

If you are an online investor or trader, you are spending a lot of money online as well as time. When it comes to buying and selling cryptocurrency, you know that security is paramount. If you are just getting into Bitcoin, for example, then you may have heard some unnerving things about safety. One of the most important things that you can do is find a trading platform that offers security as well as up to the minute prices. To look after your investment effectively, you should ensure that you are using a secure Bitcoin market, such as Paxful. They take their users’ security very seriously and offer a range of different payment methods to suit your security needs. Once you are purchasing and selling through a secure marketplace, then you can trade with less worry and focus on investing.

Double Check Everything

The way that a lot of attacks and scams work is that they count on you to be complacent. An email or a message from somewhere that seems legitimate but is crooked tends to look almost exactly right, and when you are in a rush, it is easier to fall for. If you get an email or a text with a link or asking for a response, make sure that you take a moment to step back and look carefully at where it has come from. If you are in any doubt, contact the person or organization that you think has contacted you. They will tell you if they have or not.

Get Smarter With Your Passwords

It is a cliché that we use the same passwords for everything but guess what: so many of us do. This is a bad habit that has been around for as long as the internet has, and it is one of the most effective ways that you can give your online security a boost. Use a random password generator to ensure that you are using a different one every time. You should also think about adding two-factor authentication to your accounts to lower the chances of someone being able to gain access.