Staying Safe on the Deep Web

We recently covered the concept and content of the deep web. Content on the deep web can be identified by two main factors, whether: it is searchable by major search engines like Google, and if a username, password, or some other form of authentication is necessary to access the information.

We access the deep web every day, whether we realize it or not. Our banking information, credit card statements, email accounts, and other personal data lives on the deep web. Accessing this information is relatively safe, but that does not mean is it without its risks. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most effective ways to stay safe while navigating the deep web.

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Use strong passwords. Anytime you store or access personal or sensitive information online, it is critical to remember the importance of strong passwords. All passwords, particularly those protecting accounts with personal and valuable information, should be at least 6 characters and include numbers, symbols, and both upper and lowercase letters. Ideally, this combination of characters will be difficult for a cybercriminal to guess.

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Avoid accessing deep web content on public networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are not ideal for accessing private information. They are not secure and could provide hackers with an easy path to steal your data. Rather than checking your bank balance or paying your bills on a public network, use avirtual private network (VPN) to perform these tasks. VPN technology allows access to your private information while maintaining privacy through data encryption.

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Be aware of scams and how to identify them. Cybercrimes and scams are becoming more prevalent and sophisticated. Hackers will attempt to attain your private information, like social security numbers or credit card information, through email. Requesting valuable information through email is known as phishing and is a cybercrime. Reputable government and agencies will never request your information via email. It is important to recognize these types of requests as scams intended to steal your private and valuable information.

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Keep your device current. Operating systems make regular updates available to users. If a security vulnerability is identified, the operating system will push out an update to all devices which will resolve the security threat. Aside from security, regular operating system updates enhance device performance by providing new options and features. Ensure your device is configured to receive automatic updates, or make sure you manually update your devices and apps on a regular basis. 

No matter what type of information you are accessing, it is imperative to always practice safe internet habits. Once your valuable data has been compromised it is increasingly difficult to avoid it from falling into the hands of criminals and having it used at your expense.

The AJTC team are experts in data and network security and can help your company protect sensitive and valuable information. We will work with you to create and implement solutions to best suit your business. Contact AJTC today to learn more about our managed services, hosted services, and customizable technology solutions. You may also visit AJTC here or call708.942.8200.