Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversBack To SchoolAmazon USBack-to-school picks: upgrade before the busy seasonAmazon US: study, desk and setup picks worth checking.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan Now×
Skip to content

Time-efficient techniques for online security boosts

Updated

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Being safe on the internet is one of the essential security measures you can take. In the past few years, more and more people have reported that they have experienced some sort of cyberattack online. These attacks can seriously harm your devices and your livelihood.

For instance, data breaches have been one of the most severe incidents around. It means that users’ data leaks from a particular company. That information can include anything from phone numbers to passwords. Thus, it is crucial to follow certain cybersecurity recommendations at times like these. And lucky for users, most of them do not take much time: you will likely be done in an hour or so.

Changing passwords

Passwords can be essential to your cybersecurity, but setting a good password may not be as easy as it sounds. You need to have different passwords for your accounts and make sure that these passwords are strong.

Strong passwords contain capital letters, symbols, and numbers. Moreover, when it comes to passwords and cybersecurity, you should change your passwords occasionally. The best timeframe to do so is once every month. However, if you are sure your password is safe, you can do it every three months.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Shopping ad
Yubico - Security Key C NFC - Basic Compatibility - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-C or NFC, FIDO Certified
  • POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key C NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
  • WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key C NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
  • FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key C NFC via USB-C and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
  • TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
  • BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.

Saving passwords

Once you sign into your online accounts, you will be given the option to save your passwords in your browser. You should skip this step because such habits can bring unnecessary risks. Although it may seem like an excellent option to save your passwords and save some time logging into your accounts, it’s better to type your passwords manually. It is even better to have a dedicated password manager for quickly retrieving each combination.

Clear cache

Clearing your cache will only take a couple of seconds, but you will dramatically improve your security with this tip. A cache remains after you visit a specific page on the internet, such as cookies and other data you gave away to the sites you visited.

Shopping ad
Yubico - YubiKey 5C NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-C or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts
  • POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5C NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
  • WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5C NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
  • FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5C NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
  • MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
  • PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts

Every time you visit a web page, you leave a trace of your data to other internet users, and if your data is visible to others, there is a possibility that your device will get hacked. However, clearing your cache means you will delete all the cookies and any data you left on a web page.

Use multi-factor authentication

All your accounts have a username and a password. However, adding another layer of protection to your account is always a good idea. Multi-factor authentication serves the purpose of adding “another password” to all your accounts. It’s hard to figure out one password but using two or more will make your accounts impossible to hack into.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Shopping ad
Yubico - YubiKey 5 NFC - Multi-Factor authentication (MFA) Security Key and passkey, Connect via USB-A or NFC, FIDO Certified - Protect Your Online Accounts
  • POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The YubiKey 5 NFC is the most versatile physical passkey, protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts
  • WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with popular accounts like Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single YubiKey 5 NFC secures 100+ of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more
  • FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your YubiKey 5 NFC via USB and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC), to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required
  • MOST SECURE PASSKEY: Supports FIDO2/WebAuthn, FIDO U2F, Yubico OTP, OATH-TOTP/HOTP, Smart card (PIV), and OpenPGP. That means it’s versatile, working almost anywhere you need it
  • PRIMARY & SPARE KEYS: Just like having a spare house key, we recommend buying two YubiKeys - one for daily use and one as a spare. That way you’ll never get locked out of your accounts

Setting a multi-factor authentication will only take you a couple of minutes. You can use a PIN, a password, or any other authentication method you prefer, but you will have to enter these new passwords every time you sign into your accounts.

Control your social media activity

Social media may be a fun way to share your activities. These platforms are the most popular means of communication nowadays. However, many people are unaware of the harm social media can have when it comes to your cybersecurity. Public accounts are one of the most vulnerable spots for your internet safety.

Shopping ad
Yubico - Security Key NFC - Basic Compatibility - Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) Key, Connect via USB-A or NFC, FIDO Certified
  • POWERFUL SECURITY KEY: The Security Key NFC is the essential physical passkey for protecting your digital life from phishing attacks. It ensures only you can access your accounts.
  • WORKS WITH 1000+ ACCOUNTS: Compatible with Google, Microsoft, and Apple. A single Security Key NFC secures 100 of your favorite accounts, including email, password managers, and more.
  • FAST & CONVENIENT LOGIN: Plug in your Security Key NFC via USB-A and tap it, or tap it against your phone (NFC) to authenticate. No batteries, no internet connection, and no extra fees required.
  • TRUSTED PASSKEY TECHNOLOGY: Uses the latest passkey standards (FIDO2/WebAuthn & FIDO U2F) but does not support One-Time Passwords. For complex needs, check out the YubiKey 5 Series.
  • BUILT TO LAST: Made from tough, waterproof, and crush-resistant materials. Manufactured in Sweden and programmed in the USA with the highest security standards.

Next time you think about sharing your location on social media, you should consider what can happen to your data. When third parties find out about your activities, it will make you more prone to becoming a victim of cyberattacks. Oversharing on social media is a big no if you want to be safe on the internet.

Use a VPN

Virtual Private Networks are universal tools when it comes to improving your cybersecurity. Their main purpose is encrypting internet traffic and preventing potential snooping or data theft. Furthermore, it hides users’ IP addresses. This change ensures that online entities have a harder time figuring out your location.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Shopping ad
FIDO2 U2F Security Key Passkey Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) USB Key PIN+Touch (Non-Biometric) USB-A Type TrustKey T110
  • Security Key : Protect your online accounts against unauthorized access by using FIDO2 and U2F authentication with T110. It's the world's most protective security key that works with windows, Mac OS, Linux as well as Chrome, Firefox, Edge and many other major browsers.
  • Certified with the new FIDO2 standard, T110 provides the benefit of fast login and strong protection against phishing, account takeover as well as many other online attactks.
  • Works with : Bank of America, Github, Google, Microsoft, DUO, Twitter, Facebook, Dropbox, Apple, ebay, BINANCE, mor and more.
  • Fits USB-A port : Insert the T110 security key into the USB-A port of each service and log in conveniently with one touch
  • For the driver download and user guide, please visit TrustKey Solutions Home support page.

Download VPN services for that quick privacy, security, and anonymity boost. It will only take a couple of minutes, and you will provide high-quality security for yourself for a long time.

Conclusion

Staying safe online is the most important thing you must do when browsing the web. Whenever you are using the internet, there is a chance that some of your data may be misused or that your computer may get infected by malware.

Luckily, you can do a few time-efficient things mentioned above to boost your online safety and protect yourself from such situations. Applying all these tips will make you more worry-free online and safe from malicious content or unscrupulous individuals.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.