Safer Internet Day 2022: time for a security check

• February 8th is Safer Internet Day 2022.
• The perfect occasion to put the IT security of your devices to the test.
• We tell you which tools and settings make your PC and mobile devices more secure.

February 8th is Safer Internet Day! Even if, unlike us in the editorial office, you have not marked this date in red in your calendar, you should still use the occasion. Safer Internet Day is an initiative of the European Union that promotes safety and democracy on the Internet. As a tech magazine, we would like to make our contribution and do a little IT security check with you.

1. No data protection without virus protection

2. Move anonymously and securely on the Internet with VPN

3. Password manager – because 123456 just isn’t enough

4. The backup in the cloud

5. Correct settings for your PC and mobile phone

After all, a secure Internet lives above all from the right protective measures that each and every one of us should use on our devices. Of course, this applies to complete protection against malware from the Internet, but also against the tracking of your movements on the Internet. In addition, far too many users continue to use passwords that are too easy and insecure cloud services.

We will focus here primarily on the security of your PC. If you are interested in data protection, privacy and dangers in social media, you can find out more on the official website SaferInternetDay.org or Klicksafe. There is also informative teaching material for schools and universities.

No data protection without virus protection

Data protection on a PC or mobile phone infected with malware is hardly possible. Because depending on which type is spreading on your device, it can either spy on your data or render the device completely unusable. An antivirus program is therefore mandatory.

Luckily, such a program doesn’t have to cost a lot. Programs for the PC such as Avast Antivirus and AVG Internet Security can be used free of charge. Many also offer apps for Android and iOS, such as Avira Antivirus and Kaspersky. But if you want complete protection for the whole household, you should consider buying a license.

at Avira Antivirus Security for free*

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at Kaspersky Mobile Security for free*

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Move anonymously and securely on the Internet with VPN

Anyone who surfs the Internet leaves traces. However, there are ways you can surf anonymously and securely. You don’t even need the notorious TOR browser for this, but an ordinary VPN service is sufficient.

Setting up a VPN on Windows or mobile is easy. The only really difficult thing is choosing the service provider. Our top three here are Cyberghost, NordVPN, and Surfshark. They simply offer the best service, the most secure connections and the simplest tools for all needs right now.

A little insider tip: Cyberghost offers Netzwelt readers discounts if you take out a subscription. So you can get a taste of surfing with VPN even cheaper.

at NordVPN to register*

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at Surfshark to register*

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Password manager – because 123456 just isn’t enough

Every year you read about the worst passwords and again and again “password” and “123456” are included. If we use it to guess one of your passwords, we recommend our tips for better passwords.

If you use easy passwords because you can’t remember that many, you should take a look at our password manager comparison. We will show you there which tools will help you to secure your virtual keys. In the linked guide, we tell you how you can check whether your passwords or accounts have already been hacked.

The backup in the cloud

If your PC or mobile phone is already under attack and all data is at risk, it shows how valuable a backup can be. On the one hand, this can be done via a data backup on an external hard drive or elegantly in the “cloud”. Backing up in the cloud has many advantages, such as security levels and experts that only large corporations can offer.

Android fans know the backup in Google Drive, iOS fans have iCloud. Free cloud services often do not offer enough space for an entire PC backup.

Fortunately, there are inexpensive providers such as pCloud and Tresorit, where you can store large amounts of data securely and encrypted. Depending on the plan, you can book a secure data port from all your devices.

at pCloud to register*

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at vaultite to register*

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Correct settings for your PC and mobile phone

There are also basic settings and behaviors on PCs and mobile phones that you should observe in order to stay safe. You can do a lot for security when you set up your PC or laptop and start using your cell phone. A secure browser also helps if you surf the web a lot and may warn you about unsafe websites.

Installs regular patches on Windows and the latest versions of Android. If you follow this and the other tips in this text, you should be protected from a large number of dangers on the Internet.

” Tip: The best VPN providers for more security and privacy