Reduce

More adds complexity. Like buying products you don’t need; adding features that nobody uses; adding a workforce that brings up costs; installing apps that bloat the system, or adding more work with strict deadlines. To live simply is key to having a more productive, happier and safer environment.

For example, list all the things you do when browsing the web. We all use a web browser to interact with websites, or apps to access social media, do online shopping, and research in school, right? Common sense dictates that the web browser is your portal to the outside world. But, the world is not rosy and pretty realistically. Let’s be honest, everything on the internet sells something for financial gain because it is business, but there are also bad actors that only after your money and do harm. That’s why parents are fearful of their children’s safety online. So, what do we do to help protect the public from malicious individuals or cybercriminals?

The answer is to reduce.

Reduce everything from your web browser’s powers. Turn off everything you don’t need like access to your microphone, access to your camera; turn off access to your location, file editing, block notifications, motion sensors, etc.

Next, your operating system must close ports you don’t use like disabling access to apps in your firewall. Every OS like Windows, Linux, macOS, and Android have a firewall to prevent unauthorized intrusion by hackers.

Next, use wired instead of wireless as much as possible. It’s safer to use a wired connection because it is physically attached to your computer. But, this is just a bit of advice that you can break because everyone at some point needs a wireless connection like using Bluetooth, and WIFI.

Be sure to update your devices. I know it’s a problem with Android phones since they rarely do updates, and after years older, your device is probably obsolete anyway. You have to have to buy newer phones to be safer. Just be sure to dispose of your phone properly.

Reduce the number of people that can send you emails, and limit the number of websites you visit. Don’t click that link. Be sure that the website is legit. How? By looking at the URL or email address. The URL must be simple names that do not mask or show random numbers and letters. If you find that it has this, then stay away or check to see if it’s from a trusted website or domain name that everyone knows.

The online world gives us the ability to connect, share with others and nourish relationships, but we must be careful about how we interact and use these technologies because the world we live in is not just a fairy tale. These are just a few suggestions in order to enjoy a much safer experience online. Therefore, to reduce the number of vectors and complexity is a solution that most of us can utilize.

Here are tips from Microsoft on how to avoid getting infected by ransomware: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4013550/windows-protect-your-pc-from-ransomware

How I love you, Lord!  You are my defender.  2 The Lord is my protector;  he is my strong fortress.  My God is my protection,  and with him I am safe.  He protects me like a shield;  he defends me and keeps me safe.  3 I call to the Lord,  and he saves me from my enemies.  Praise the Lord!

Psalms 18:1-3

Bible Society of South Africa. Good News Bible: Good News Translation (GNT) . Bible Society of South Africa. Kindle Edition.