5 affordable ways to beef up security on the devices you use daily

Image: hushed

By StackCommerceMashable Shopping2020-03-14 09:00:00 UTC

In the time it takes you to snap a photo and upload it to Instagram, the next hacker attack has taken place. Heck, if you take a while to write a caption, multiple attacks could go down in that time frame. That’s because, according to a study done at the University of Maryland in 2017, about every 39 seconds, a hacker strikes. We’d expect three years later, that number’s only gotten scarier.

Even though online security is as vital as locking your front door, it’s not quite as simple. You have to actively beef up your security to protect yourself on your connected devices – including your phone, computer, tablet, and even smartwatch. You know, kind of like Amy Poehler says in that Xfinity commercial: if it’s connected, it should be protected.

From VPNs to cloud storage, we’ve rounded up five different ways you can strengthen the security across your devices and ensure you’re surfing, storing, calling, texting, tweeting, and banking safely on the web. Oh, and each one of these apps and plans are on sale, so you’re welcome.

There are tons of threats out there that can make your precious photos, files, and documents disappear. That’s why backing up your data is so important. This 10TB lifetime plan from Degoo Premium offers more backup space than you probably will ever need, but you only have to pay once and it won’t bug you to upgrade every other day like iCloud. Plus, it features ultra-secure 256-bit AES encryption to give you peace of mind when it comes to the important stuff you save. It’s compatible with Mac OS, iOS, Android, and Windows, and will automatically detect file changes to ensure your backups are always up to date.

Get a 10TB backup plan from Degoo Premium for just $99.99 and use it for life.

The best way to keep prying eyes off your data is by using strong, randomized passwords with special symbols, numbers, and more. But who can remember all of those? That’s where this lifetime subscription to Password Boss comes in. It automatically creates a strong password with maximum security for all of your digital accounts and all you have to remember is the one master password. PC Mag gave it an “Excellent” rating and it’s earned 4.2 out of 5 stars on G2, so it’s definitely worth your consideration.

Get a lifetime subscription, with activation included for three devices, for just $19.99 – 86% off its usual price.

A more versatile version of Google Voice, a Hushed Private Phone Line is designed to let you call and text using a totally private number, which you can calibrate with hundreds of area codes from across the U.S. and Canada. It’s perfect for keeping your information secure while freelancing, using Craigslist, dating, and more. There are no monthly fees and you can use the app to manage all communications, customize your voicemail, and set up call forwarding. Oh, and a lifetime subscription comes with 6,000 texts or 1,000 phone minutes per year for one flat rate.

Sign up for just $25 – 83% off the usual cost.

With a five-star rating from TrustPilot, CNET, and PCMag, NordVPN is one of the most trusted VPNs on the market. A VPN works to encrypt your connection and create a private tunnel that keeps your activity anonymous and your data totally hidden from hackers and trackers. It’s widely accepted as the number one defense against getting hacked. NordVPN, in particular, connects you to over 3,500 worldwide server locations spread across 60 different countries and keeps zero recorded logs of your activity.

Get a two-year subscription for $95.99 and save 66%.

If you want top-notch security, this Vault of five award-winning apps, including NordVPN, Degoo, Dashlane (a password manager), Panda AntiVirus (antivirus and online fraud protection), and AdGuard (an ad-blocking app), should do the trick. With a slew of services protecting you, you’ll be able to fight off data hackers, cyber attacks, password theft, and malware with little-to-no effort.

You can get access to this Vault of digital security apps for an entire year for just $99 (or $8.25 per month), which is one hell of a steal.