The Military Veteran’s Rulebook to Cybersecurity and Data Protection

Military people have a lot of different duties and responsibilities concerning national defense, security, and safety. They exist to serve the nation’s people and they’re not just there to be sent to different countries to go on war. They are, in fact, vital in the national interests including cyber or online activities. There surely is a war online concerning the safety of everybody.

However, people who have been or are still involved in the army are more prone to cyberattacks. They are one of the main targets of internet trolls and terrorists out there and this is why they must practice good cybersecurity and safety habits.

Veterans themselves are also very vulnerable to cyberattacks and nowadays, it’s hard to not leave any online footprint. It’s the digital age and people would make transactions online daily. With that, it is also their responsibility to ensure their safety. Here are five great cybersecurity and safety tips that they can follow.

• Encrypt Your Mobile Device Communication

Encryption involves applying a code or a cipher to prevent unauthorized parties from reading or seeing particular information they are not meant to. Since military veterans are exposed to a lot of information linked to national defense and security, it makes them prime targets for hacking or spying. When you use an unencrypted network, there is a good chance that malicious third parties will both desire and be able to spy on your online activities. Such an act would create a loss of privacy, private data, and sensitive information, making you vulnerable to cyberattacks.

To avoid this breach, one of the best things you can do is to use a military vpn to hide your IP address and encrypt your online traffic. This way, your network will be encrypted and third parties won’t have such an easy time intruding on your online activity.

• Create Secure Passwords for Your Online Accounts

Creating online accounts on social media platforms and for important matters like online banking means that you’ll have to manage multiple accounts. What many are mistaken about this is that they often use the same passwords on multiple accounts. The problem with this is that once someone figures it out, all your online profiles will also be gone.

What you should do is always follow the suggested password formats of the platforms you are signing up with. Never include personal details on your passwords that are easy to guess like your date of birth. As much as possible, use different passwords for each account and use password manager software could help a lot with this.

• Avoid or At Least Lessen Posting Personal Information on Social Media

Sometimes, people unconsciously post vital information online that could lead to exposing their identity or details that could help hackers or cybercriminals figure out your passwords or even your location and next location. When this happens, not only your online safety is at risk, but also your safety outside the internet.

It’s surely hard to not share posts on social media nowadays, especially if you want to keep your friends and family updated with your life happenings. However, always think before you post. Read the post carefully before submitting and always ask yourself if it has anything that could put you at risk.

• Do Not Use Public Computers When Not Needed

There may be times that you’re left with no other choice but to go to a public library or internet café to use a computer. While this isn’t exactly bad, this could still leave you susceptible to hackers. Public computers do not use encrypted internet connection and this would allow cybercriminals to take a peek at what you’re doing online.

If it’s not necessary, avoid using public computers and just use your mobile device to go online when you’re away from home. If in case you’re left with no other options and the situation calls for it, use incognito or private browsing mode when accessing the internet. Before leaving, always make sure that you are completely logged out from the computer.

• Keep Your Devices Updated

Many would ignore device updates as this could take time to download. Some just don’t think it’s necessary that they just completely ignore update prompts on their PCs and mobile devices. Failure to keeping your software up to date can leave you vulnerable to new viruses and malware.

Know that cybercriminals are always out there trying to find new ways to attack their prey and this is why ensuring that your device is up to date is crucial. Updates could have the latest patch, fixes, and protection that could help you protect your device.

Conclusion

While technology is also ensuring that cybersecurity gets stronger by the day, you still play a big role in protecting yourself online. These are just a few important things that you can do. Nowadays, it’s hard to get by without the help of the internet but as long as you’re careful, you shouldn’t have to worry about your safety. Remember to always think before you click and post and use software and platforms that can help you upgrade your online security measures.