As a writer or blogger, you may be vulnerable to online dangers that could derail your progress or even negatively impact your livelihood. Every day, an average of 30,000 websites are hacked, with a hack occurring every 39 seconds. In 2021 alone, over 22 billion records were breached, with 95% of successful breaches being due to human error or someone underestimating their cybersecurity needs. These figures emphasize the importance of internet security savviness for bloggers and news writers.
As writers, we are often left to fend for ourselves, including when it comes to digital security. While you may think that only prominent blogs are targeted, even smaller freelance writers and bloggers are at risk. Therefore, it is essential to take steps to protect yourself and your work from online dangers.
One essential step is to use secure login credentials. Password security is often still lax, with many people using the same weak passwords that can be hacked within seconds. Therefore, it is crucial to consider a longer passphrase or a fourteen-character-long varied password, at least. Better yet, use a password manager that can generate and securely store all your passwords.
Another crucial step is turning on two-factor authentication to add a second authentication layer to your account. While SMS authentication codes are increasingly under threat, a verified app like Microsoft Authenticator, Google Authenticator or Authy, a dedicated CMS plugin or a platform to generate codes can help secure your page or logins better.
Most bloggers work from home or other locations, which makes connecting to public Wi-Fi networks a security risk. Hackers can use a “sniffer” program to monitor all data being sent and received on an open network, increasing the possibility of account and identity theft. You can protect yourself by using a virtual private network (VPN). With a VPN, your devices connect to a secure offsite server, and your data packets travel through an encrypted tunnel, protecting your blog’s information on any network. Besides, using a VPN can help avoid government censorship or surveillance.
Keeping your CMS and plugins updated is crucial in patching security holes and other issues that arise. Download plugins only from verified sources, as those from insecure websites or hosts might contain malware. Additionally, using a TLS or SSL certificate protects visitor traffic, including credit card numbers for purchases, passwords, and emails for newsletters. Having such a certificate on your website not only protects your site’s traffic but also might boost your traffic.
Other steps to take to ensure more robust security for your blog and personal computer include using industry-recognized security software that protects against myriad online threats and avoiding bad cybersecurity practices. Additionally, ensure that all your work is backed up, be it on a separate drive (USB/HDD/SSD) or online, using a reputable cloud provider.
The internet has changed the way news and opinions circulate and distribute, making it essential to prioritize internet security savvy for bloggers and news writers alike. Adhering to some of the basic steps mentioned above can go a long way in protecting you and your work, providing a safety net as you continue to create fresh and engaging content for your audience.