Keeping your digital data safe doesn't have to cost a lot of money. In fact, for individuals, many methods are free or nearly so. Despite this, it is extremely important to pay attention to your personal cybersecurity.

Why Cybersecurity is Important for Individuals

Even though it doesn't make the news like a billion-dollar data breach, it can be earthshaking if a criminal gains access to some of your online accounts. Your bank accounts can be drained or your credit cards maxed out by someone who has gotten your login information or your account numbers. Criminals can even take out loans in your name while keeping the loan money for themselves.

These criminal actions, sometimes referred to as "identity theft," cost victims an average of $2,000 per individual. Cybercrime can be further broken down according to the specific form it takes, but one thing is clear: Cybersecurity is not just for big corporations. Everyone should be taking steps to keep their digital data safe.

How You Can Protect Yourself Without a Huge Budget

Use Strong Passwords

Strong passwords are almost impossible to guess, and this makes it so that those with only a passing interest in trying to get into your accounts will give up before they get in. What makes a "strong password?" Many security-minded sites will demand that you use one with at least eight characters, include both upper- and lowercase letters, use at least one number, and include at least one "special character" like an exclamation point or parenthesis.

Use a Password Manager

If you're thinking that long, convoluted passwords are hard to remember, you are right. Fortunately, you don't have to remember them! Even better, you don't have to write them down. There are several cheap and free password managers you can use to store your codes. The Chrome browser has the ability to remember your passwords for you for free, along with the Firefox browser and others. For the highest security, put these solutions behind another password so that someone who gains physical access to your computer can't just open up your browser to log into everything. You will need to memorize that one master browser or computer password.

Use a Good Antivirus

If you have a Windows PC, Microsoft's Defender Antivirus is included. If it isn't turned on already, just turn it on. Apple computers come with included antivirus programs as well. If you don't trust these manufacturer-provided services, there are many affordable third-party alternatives. Be warned, though, that not all third-party options are legitimate. Look for big-name options.

Avoid Shady Websites and Downloads

"Free" software, especially the pirated variety, typically comes with a malware payload. This is updated frequently and can slip by common antivirus programs. Shady websites are also notorious for sending malware to visitors. Avoid all of these providers to easily dodge some of the worst sources of viruses and other malware on the internet.

Beware of Unexpected Emails

Email is often used by criminals to con people out of their passwords, usernames, and other login credentials. Bad emails may even seem to come from people you know. Beware of anything that comes with an attachment or has a "login" link. If you get an email with an attachment, don't just open it. Initiate a separate contact with the supposed sender and verify that they actually sent you the email. If they say they didn't send one, delete the one with the attachment - without opening it.

For emails with login links, don't click the link even if the message seems urgent.. Instead, go to the destination site by directly typing its URL into a new browser window. This will help thwart phishing, which is the practice of setting up fake websites in order to collect login information for criminal purposes.

Always be Wary

There's no need to be outright afraid of using the internet or email, but it's important to stay on guard. With the proper amount of caution, you can enjoy the best the internet has to offer - while also keeping your information safe from cybercriminals. Best of all, you don't need to spend a fortune to do so.