As days pass, the digitalization of every field is increasing at a striking rate. With the enhanced digitalization, it has become imperative to make sure that the security of digital identities is also maintained properly.
For this, better cybersecurity techniques are coming up in the industry. We need to keep on upgrading our work techniques as per the latest security guidelines. In this technical article, we will focus on digital identity, its features, and how to safeguard it in today’s World. Let’s learn some of the best Online security best practices.
What is the meaning of Digital Identity?
Digital identity is also known as identity 2.0. This defines the overall procedure of the internet world, such as social media networks, pages you follow on social media, posts you like every day, etc. Everything you do in the online world is a part of your digital identity. It consists of basic details like credentials and online records.
In your virtual world, your digital identity gets created as soon as you access the web services and start using your virtual apps. This type of data in the virtual world is used by companies, social media, public registries, health companies, etc.
The best part is you don’t need to restrict yourself to one Digital identity. You can create more than one account and try out all the online data! For example, you can have two different profiles for your job work and another one for your online gaming.
What are the main Constituents of Digital Identifiers?
These digital identifiers are the main roots of your online activity. There are several constituents of this digital identity as mentioned below:
- The search engines and social media profiles or even your online accounts in financial systems try to keep track of your overall online activities with the help of your “username” and “password.”
- Next, the big e-commerce giants are nowadays trying to understand what type of materials you like to shop, and hence, they collect all the online data from your shopping history or online search history. This is how the recent “Recommended Products” segment has been introduced on Amazon!
- Some of the online databases prefer to use your birthday for your digital identification.
Top Tips and Best Practices for Protecting Your Digital Identity
Follow the Cybersecurity tips mentioned below to enjoy a safeguarded virtual environment.
Establish Strong and unique Passwords: Solidifying your online security starts with forming potent passwords. You should not use simple phrases that can be easily guessed. Try avoiding the standard words too like your name or birthday. Preferably, choose intricate blends of letters, numerals, and diverse characters. Further, steer clear of recycling passwords for diverse accounts. Trusted password managers can be beneficial to produce and preserve secure passwords. In this way, you can maintain a proper directory of your passwords and don’t have to remember them always.
Implement Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Boost your online shield by integrating the extra layer of 2FA. This verification manner prompts the user to go through two different steps of validation, for instance, a password coupled with a unique code delivered to your cell phone or e-mail. Activate 2FA whenever feasible, particularly for sensitive accounts like an email or bank account. Nowadays, all the banks implement 2FA like creating usernames and passwords and then, an OTP-based validation.
Maintain Clean Email Practice: Be vigilant while accessing e-mail attachments or interacting with hyperlinks, especially when they originate from suspicious or unfamiliar sources. Whenever you receive any email from any unknown sender, you need to be very alert and handle the situation with Digital identity protection measures. Study the sender’s credibility and closely examine email IDs for any inconsistencies or typing errors, which could point to potential phishing initiatives. Refrain from sharing secure details through email unless it’s crucial, and see to it that all email exchanges are secured with encryption while transmitting secret details. These types of healthy and secure online habits protect you from unwanted phishing attacks.
Consistently Back Up Essential Data: Set up a routine backup plan for your valuable documents and information to lessen the severity of possible data loss arising from cyber threats, equipment malfunction, or any accidental removal. Consider utilizing cloud-supported backup platforms or portable storage drives to establish safe backups of your documents. For example, you should backup all your photos in Google Photos, backup your PDFs in Google Drive, etc. There are many modern cloud services with high-tech security protocols. As a part of the modern Data privacy measures, nowadays these cloud storages send you alerts over email if someone else is accessing your drive data.
Follow the Standard Web Practices: Whenever you are using any shopping website to purchase new products, view movies online, or even download any study materials, you must follow some of the standard web practices. You should interact only with websites that are credible and trustworthy! Don’t use platforms that seem to be slightly suspicious and can have potential viruses.
Implement Device Protection Lock and Biometric Verification: Fortify your gadgets with robust password codes, personal identification numbers (PINs), or biometric validation techniques such as a fingerprint or face identification. Establish auto lock systems for your device to block unauthorized entry when your equipment is neglected. Set up remote lock and purge functions on your mobile gadgets to safeguard your information in case of misplacement or robbery. In this, you will be the only one who can use the device and others can use it only with your permission.
SafeguardYour Wireless Network: If you’re using a wireless network at your place or organization, certify that it’s coded with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption techniques. Change the current network handle (SSID) to inhibit unauthorized entry. Consider hiding your SSID to make your network less visible to potential intruders. Additionally, avoid accessing sensitive information over public Wi-Fi networks, as they are often insecure and susceptible to eavesdropping.
Final Words
By now, you understand everything related to Digital Identity, Identity theft prevention and what is the best way to protect your online identity. Whatever activities you do in the online platforms form the basic foundation of your Digital Identity. With the increasing digital identity theft, you need to be very strict with the protective measures. Always be serious with your passwords and don’t share them with anyone even accidentally! Try to integrate device protection with the latest measures like Biometric identification or fingerprint verification. Keep the Internet safety guidelines in mind and all these will help you to improve your online activities and be safe at the same time!