It’s fair to say this summer is not shaping up the way many of us would have wanted, with the usual overseas trips replaced by staycations for many.
However with everything that is going on in the world right now, it’s important to remember that a summer holiday break is vital to helping you recharge and refocus.
But just because you're taking a break doesn't mean you should let your security defences down. Here's some of our top tips to making sure you stay safe and secure this summer.
Update your devices
It's not just us humans that need our wardrobes updating for summer - our connected devices need a refresh too. You can help keep your items protected by ensuring you always have the latest software updates and security patches installed.
Having a robust and thorough security platform may give you a strong line of defence against threats, and the newest updates can do that.
It's best to update your systems as soon as new upgrades are released, as hackers often try to target unprotected devices during these windows. So don't just ignore those upgrade pop-ups - they can be the key to keeping your devices well protected.
Bitdefender Total Security 2020 provides comprehensive anti-malware protection against all major cyberthreats across mobile and PC devices, keeping you secure even against the very latest threats.
Install a VPN for that true overseas experience
For many of us, it's looking unlikely that we'll get a foreign holiday in 2020, so it may seem like there's not much chance of experiencing life in a different country anytime soon - unless you do it online.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) have seen a huge surge in popularity as users around the world seek that extra level of privacy against those hoping to snoop on their Internet activity.
A VPN disguises your actual location, making it appear like your connection is originating from another country or region, meaning anyone trying to snoop on your browsing is immediately thrown off the scent.
Yet despite the undoubted benefits, VPNs still need security scrutiny, so once you have one installed, make sure it is accompanied by a security platform that can keep your browsing safe.
Bitdefender Total Security 2020 comes with the company's VPN solution that offers 200 MB of data traffic per day for free so you can do e-banking and other sensitive tasks safely." If you need more traffic to enjoy content from all over the world in complete safety, you can opt for the Premium VPN upgrade at any time.
Don't let your security brain take a holiday
Although you may be dreaming of the beach already, that's no reason to let up on your email security. Despite repeated urgings not to check work emails on holiday, many of us do still fall victim to the need to stay updated - but "holiday brain" may make you more likely to slip up and click on a phishing link or scam.
Phishing emails, where hackers send spoof emails imitating a legitimate company in an attempt to steal login details or personal information, remain a potent threat, but there are simple steps you can take.
If you receive an email that looks or seems suspicious, take a few moments to examine it carefully - phishing emails often contain errors in the links inside, or issues with imaging and formatting.
If you are concerned, don't open any attachments in suspicious emails, as these can contain dangerous malware strains which could infect and lock your device. Fortunately, Bitdefender Total Security 2020 offers anti-phishing protection as standard, keeping all your devices safe from the latest threats.
Keep the whole family secure
Even with the sun shining outside, it's likely that many of us will still at some point be glued to our PC, mobile or tablet devices this summer.
It used to be that all security worries were centred around the humble PC, with nasty viruses and worms attacking only that one device. But with the growth of smart products, you need to be sure that other devices are kept safe as well.
Smartphones and tablets often pack in as much (if not more) computing power than a desktop PC, but often they go unprotected against security threats, opening them up to attacks.
And with the whole family owning their separate devices, securing these can be a challenge. Bitdefender Family Pack 2020 can keep you covered, offering the company's Total Security 2020 product on up to 15 devices, giving multi-device protection whether Windows, Mac, iOS or Android.
