These days, we’re all actively engaging online. Whether it’s my kids scrolling through social media, my wife video chatting with her friends and online shopping, or me checking my emails, we’re all leveraging the devices in front of us to keep our lives moving forward.
What many people don’t realize is that there are technologies that we can implement into our daily online routines that will not only help us achieve our digital tasks more effectively but safeguard our privacy as well. If there’s a way I can browse the internet more quickly and securely than before, I’m here for it!
Tools Anyone Can Use
There are a lot of free and easy-to-use technologies out there that can benefit you – you just need to learn what they are first! With that, let’s explore cool technologies that not too many people may know about, which can positively impact your online life.
Safe Browsing Solutions
The internet is a vast sea of content, both good and bad. And we’re all navigating that sea to learn, work, and socialize online. But when you’re trying to browse as efficiently as possible, it can be tricky to tell the safe websites from the suspicious ones. That’s where a security solution like McAfee® WebAdvisor comes in to play.
McAfee® WebAdvisor can help keep you safe from online threats like malware and phishing attempts while you surf the web. For example, the tool places a checkmark next to all the safe links, making security decisions much easier for the everyday internet user, like my wife when she’s on a mission to shop online. And it is free too!
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Even the average internet surfer like you and me should consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), as it essentially allows you to send and receive data across a public network as if it were a private network. A VPN encrypts – or scrambles – your information so others can’t read it, helping to safeguard your data. VPNs are especially handy for when you are working remote or if you want full access to the internet while you’re traveling, or if you simply want to protect your privacy. McAfee® Safe Connect is a great and affordable option (with a limited free version available too) for users who are looking for a solution that is not only easy to implement, but one that also provides bank-grade encryption and private browsing to protect all online activities.
Password Managers
Speaking of pesky passwords, another way to easily secure your online accounts is with a password manager. A password manager can help you create strong passwords, remove the hassle of remembering numerous passwords, and log you on to websites automatically. Who says staying secure has to be complicated?
While many password managers are free, its important users do their research and adopt password managers from companies they trust. Another option? Some password managers also come included in a comprehensive security solution, like McAfee® Total Protection.
Robocall Blocking Apps
At one time or another, you’ve probably experienced a mysterious phone call from an “Unknown Caller.” If you’ve ever actually bothered to pick up one of these calls, you’ve likely heard a strange, robotic voice on the other end claiming to be from a certain organization or asking you to take action. Whether the call itself is just annoying or is coming from a criminal looking to scam consumers out of cash or information, one thing is certain – robocalls are a huge headache.
Unfortunately, these pesky phone calls have shown no signs of slowing down. In fact, it was recently reported that robocall scams surged to 85 million globally, up 325% from 2017. Luckily there are multiple robocall blocking apps and tools users can adopt to avoid phone spam. Additionally, you can register on the FCC’s National Do Not Call list for added protection.
Multi-Factor Authentication
If you read my previous blog, you know that many of the common password habits that we use can lead to multiple security concerns. That said, passwords are just the first line of defense when it comes to securing online accounts – so what happens if a hacker makes it through that security barrier? Enter two-factor or multi-factor authentication.
These days, most people have heard of two-factor authentication. To put it simply, the tech utilizes two checkpoints to verify the user’s identity. These could be answers to security questions, a one-time password texted to your smartphone, a fingerprint scan, or facial recognition. While two-factor authentication is a great starting point, there’s also multi-factor authentication – which, as it sounds, means a user must address multiple types of proof points before gaining access to an account or device. In fact, multi-factor authentication is becoming more and more intuitive thanks to artificial intelligence, as it can select a combination of authentication factors based on a user’s risk profile and habits.
This technology is easy to integrate into your life, as it’s often a simple add-on to a lot of the things we already own. For example, you can activate face-ID on your iOS phone or fingerprint on your Android phone and boom, you’ve got two-factor authentication!
Tools for Current McAfee Subscribers
Are you currently subscribed to McAfee® Total Protection or McAfee® LiveSafe? If so, there might be some cool tools within these solutions that you aren’t taking full advantage of that can help boost your security and improve your online experience. The more you know, right?
For example, if you are a current McAfee® LiveSafe subscriber, you automatically have access to McAfee’s secure VPN and McAfee File Lock. If you are currently subscribed to McAfee® Total Protection, you have access to a whole host of security tools including a password manager and VPN. Additionally, McAfee® Total Protection gives you access to McAfee® Identity Theft Protection, which is a great tool for monitoring fraud. Finally, if you’re looking to delete some sensitive files, you can use McAfee® Shredder™ to completely ensure that no traces are left behind. By employing the full range of these tools, current McAfee subscribers can take their security to the next level and surf the internet without missing a beat.
Cool Tech, Stronger Security
By taking advantage of these free, existing, and easily accessible tools, you can both improve every facet of your online life – whether that means social interactions, online shopping, or sending emails – and keep your information secure. You can have fun online and easily integrate security into your day-to-day which, in my opinion, is a win win.
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