When it comes to the safety and security of your digital devices, it’s important to stay on top of the latest trends and threats. With the rise of spam emails, texts and calls, your devices do need protection from endless attacks.
We’ll cover seven different security measures you can take to keep your devices safe from unwanted calls and messages and malicious links.
Let’s dive in!
1) Install an anti-spam plugin
Spam can be an annoying and potentially dangerous problem. Installing a reliable anti-spam plugin is one of the best ways to protect your device from spammers. An anti-spam plugin can help you filter unwanted emails and messages before they even reach your inbox. It can also help block malicious links, attachments, and phishing attempts.
When setting up your anti-spam plugin, make sure to enable the most secure settings. You may need to tweak the settings depending on your individual preferences and the amount of spam you receive. Be sure to regularly check for new updates to allow your anti-spam plugin to work effectively.
2) Don’t give out your email address to just anybody
Your email address is a valuable asset that should be treated with respect. Don’t give out your address to anyone and everyone. Spammers use automated programs to find email addresses and then bombard you with spam. Instead, create an alias for each website or company you interact with. You can also use disposable email addresses to protect your privacy.
Use an alternate email address for newsletters, social media accounts, and online shopping when possible. Be mindful of how much personal information you provide on any website or form. Only provide the minimum required information.
Be careful about filling out forms. Many websites include a checkbox for you to sign up for emails. If you don’t want to receive an email from that company, make sure not to check that box. Read the privacy policy of any website before you give out your email address.
Finally, consider using a dedicated email service to protect your primary address. Some services offer encrypted email with additional privacy features. For extra protection, use two-factor authentication with a password manager.
3) Report spam
Spam is a nuisance that affects many people online, and reporting it is the only way to help stop it. If you receive unsolicited emails, messages, or calls that appear to be spam, it’s important to report them to protect yourself and others from becoming victims of scams or identity theft.
Reporting spam can help identify the sender and take action against them. It can also help increase public awareness about spam and reduce the amount of it circulating on the internet.
The first step to reporting spam is to identify its source. As for your inbox, this can usually be done by looking for the email address in the message’s header. The header will also include an IP address, which can be used to identify the sender’s location.
Once you have identified the sender, you should forward the spam message to their ISP (Internet Service Provider). ISPs have policies in place to deal with spam, and they can take action against spammers if they are reported. You can report spam to anti-spam organizations such as SpamCop and Spamhaus.
Finally, if you have received an email, message or call that appear to be a scam or phishing attempt, you should report them to your local law enforcement agency or the Federal Trade Commission. They can investigate further and take action if necessary.
4) Avoid interacting with spam
You should never respond to unsolicited emails or click on any links within them. Spammers often use these tactics to gain access to your personal information or install malicious software on your device. Instead, you should mark such emails as spam or delete them immediately.
It’s also important to be aware of any strange text messages you receive. Spammers can use SMS messages to try and get you to provide them with confidential information or download malicious software. You should never open suspicious links in a text message, which could lead to potential security risks. If you have even the slightest suspicion, check the sender on PhoneHistory, then block the number and report spam.
Additionally, if you ever encounter an unreliable website, leave it immediately. Always double-check the URL to make sure it is authentic before entering any personal information. It is also advised to ensure that the website uses secure encryption, such as HTTPS, as this helps keep your data safe.
4) Use reputable security software
Using reputable security software is one more way to protect your device from threats that can come with spam. Security software can provide a range of features, including malware detection and removal and real-time scanning.
Security software should be regularly updated to ensure maximum protection from the latest viruses and other malicious programs. If your device is already infected with malware, security software can help you to delete it. You should also regularly scan your system for any threats or suspicious activity.
6) Use a firewall
A firewall creates a barrier between your device and the internet, preventing unauthorized access to your system. To ensure maximum security, use a good-quality firewall. Popular firewalls include those offered by Norton, McAfee, and Kaspersky.
The firewall will examine your device’s incoming and outgoing traffic and block any suspicious traffic. It will also monitor incoming network requests and prevent malicious software from infecting your device.
7) Use strong passwords
Strong passwords, along with firewalls and security software, provides safeguards from malicious attacks by spammers. A strong password should contain at least eight characters, including upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters.
Avoid using words or phrases that can be easily guessed, such as your name, birthdate, pet’s name, etc. Change your passwords regularly, and make sure you are not reusing old passwords.
Wrapping up!
Securing your devices from spammers is an important part of staying safe online. Taking the abovementioned precautions will help ensure your devices are safe. With a little effort and some basic knowledge, you can protect yourself from malicious spam and keep your data secure.
