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Top 10 Tips to Stay Safe on Discord

Make sure you don’t become one of them by using these ten valuable tips to stay safe on Discord. Top 10 Tips to Stay Safe on Discord.

Published

2 years ago

August 28, 2021

TwinzTech

As with any platform with a large user base nowadays, Discord has attracted its fair share of unsavory individuals. Spambots, cyber attackers, trolls, and others now roam the platform searching for their next victims. Make sure you don’t become one of them by using these ten valuable tips to stay safe on Discord.

Table of Contents

1. Watch Out for Spam Links

Spotting scams on Discord has never been easier, as the app always asks whether you’re sure about visiting links on domains you haven’t marked as trusted. Don’t blindly click “Yep!” on just any connection, as that “image” could very well be a phishing domain or malware in disguise. Watch out for “.exe” extensions at the end of links, as that’s a sure sign you’re dealing with a malicious program.

2. Use a VPN

Most online chat programs are plagued by so-called “IP grabbers” – scripts and links that broadcast your IP address to a malicious third party. Unfortunately, Discord is no different in that regard. Now, if you weren’t aware, your IP address reveals sensitive details about your location, including your country, city, and even ZIP code.

You can probably guess that’s not a pleasant experience. If you already feel unsafe online, having some random creeper find out your physical location can only aggravate the feeling. Fortunately, VPNs mask your actual IP and replace it with a new one based on which server you use – keeping your exact location a secret.

Moreover, it will encrypt your network traffic (garble it, basically) to keep you safe from eavesdropping and other cyber attacks. All in all, VPNs are excellent security tools – especially for use on insecure networks, like your local coffee shop’s free Wi-Fi.

3. Check Your Discord Privacy Settings

Discord already has its built-in security settings, so take advantage of those. One of those settings is “Safe Direct Messaging,” which scans your DMs for explicit content and blocks any content deemed unsafe. To find the option, head over to the Settings page and click on “Privacy & Safety.”

We recommend activating the “Keep me safe” setting. Why not the “My friends are nice” option, you ask? Well, you never know when one of them ends up with a compromised account. Let them know about this article, so they never do!

4. Choose Your Friends Wisely

Speaking of which, carefully consider who you add on Discord. Making new friends is cool and all, but unsolicited requests from randos on the Internet aren’t. Fortunately, you can prevent strangers from adding you by toggling off all the switches under “Who can add you as a friend” in your privacy settings. Leave the “Friends of Friends” option on if you trust your buddies’ choice of friends. It’s as easy as that.

5. Turn Off Messages from Strangers

Consider disabling the “Allow direct messages from server members” setting as well, especially if you don’t know everyone in the servers you hang around. Disabling messages from server members will also prevent rogue bots from spamming you with malicious links.

If someone needs to message you in private, you can always add them as friends (provided you trust them).

Turn Off Messages from Strangers

6. Make Good Use of That Block Button

Somebody being an annoyance or making you feel unsafe on a public Discord? Click their username and then “Block” to prevent them from DM-ing you and hide their messages. Mobile users need to hold tap their username and then tap on the three dots to the right of the screen to access the “Block” button.

It’s not the best block function out there since you still see irritating “x blocked messages” notifications on public chats. Unfortunately, despite literally thousands of threads on the topic, Discord has yet to implement a way to hide those notifications.

7. Never Share Personal Info Publicly

Unless you know a person on Discord in real life, try not to reveal any personal details about yourself, such as:

Your real name
Your real-life address
Emails and phone numbers
Social media accounts (don’t connect your Steam, Twitter, Twitch, and other socials that might contain info others could use to identify you)

Sure, the main point to socializing is getting to know the people you talk with. However, that’s also a surefire way to get “doxxed” nowadays, especially if you share your private info on a public server.

8. Use a Throwaway Email for Your Account

If your Discord account somehow gets compromised, you don’t want the cyber attacker to access your primary email. They can use it to send you spam and further phishing emails, leading to some significant damage. ProtonMail and Tutanota are a couple of decent, free encrypted email providers you can use to create a Discord account.

Keep the following in mind, though. Even if you use a throwaway email and hackers can’t get much out of it, they still have all your chat history at their fingertips. If you’ve unknowingly shared any personal info anywhere, cybercriminals and bullies could use it to their advantage.

9. Create a Strong Password

Ideally, you don’t want hackers to get a hold of your account at all. Aside from staying vigilant against phishing scams, you’ll want to use a strong password on Discord. Alternate uppercase and lowercase letters and use a lot of memorable characters (e.g., %, ! #, @, ^) to make it harder to crack.

10. Use Two-Factor Authentication

Discord supports a wide variety of two-factor authentication methods (or 2FA, for short):

Google Authenticator
Author
QR scanning using either of the methods above

This joins an extra layer of security in case someone gets ahold of your login details. Even basic SMS authentication is better than nothing. Preferably you’d only use it as a backup method if you lost access to your authenticator app or didn’t download your backup codes as instructed.

Cybersecurity

Time is now: vacancies for more cybersecurity experts increasing

Cybersecurity experts have an important role in this, as well as all users. Let’s look further into it. Importance of protecting online data.

Published

2 weeks ago

May 15, 2023

TwinzTech

The advance of technology continues and every day the digital world is more part of our daily lives. We use the internet to communicate, work, shop, and entertain ourselves. However, this increased reliance on technology also means that our online data is more vulnerable than ever before. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for breaking into our personal information, and the consequences can be devastating.

This opens opportunities for exciting careers that are going to help create a digital world where it is safe to navigate and maintain a lifestyle that is pleasant and practical. Cybersecurity experts have an important role in this, as well as all users. Let’s look further into it.

Table of Contents

1. The importance of protecting online data

Protecting your online data is crucial to safeguard your identity and prevent cybercriminals from accessing your personal information. Your online data includes your email, social media accounts, banking information, and any other sensitive information that you share online. If such data falls into the hands of malicious entities, it could be exploited to steal your identity, perpetrate financial fraud, or even blackmail you.

In addition to protecting your personal information, safeguarding your online data is also essential for protecting your online reputation. Online attacks can damage your reputation by spreading false information or inappropriate content. This can potentially harm your personal and professional relationships.

2. Consequences of not prioritizing security

Failing to protect your online data can lead to serious consequences. Cybercriminals can use your personal information to commit identity theft, financial fraud, or even blackmail you. You could lose access to your online accounts or have your credit score damaged. In extreme cases, a data breach can result in lawsuits or criminal charges.

Not protecting your online data can also have a significant impact on your mental health. Constantly worrying about the security of your personal information can cause stress and anxiety. It can also damage your trust in others and negatively impact your relationships.

3. Choosing and using antivirus

Antivirus software is up to today, one of the most effective ways to protect your devices and therefore your data. Antivirus software helps to prevent, detect, and remove malware from your devices. Malware is software specifically designed to invade your computer, access and steal your personal information, or ruin your files.

It is essential to select a reliable provider when opting for antivirus software. Everyone should look for providers with a track record of success in the cybersecurity industry. Also, make sure that the software is regularly updated to protect against the latest threats.

Once you’ve chosen your antivirus software, make sure to use it correctly. Keep the software up to date and run regular scans to check for any malware. Be careful when downloading files or clicking on links, and avoid suspicious websites.

4. The growing need for cybersecurity pros

As the need for cybersecurity increases, so does the demand for cybersecurity experts. Professionals specializing in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber-attacks are known as cybersecurity experts. They are responsible for implementing security measures, detecting and preventing cyber threats, and responding to security incidents.

The outlook for skilled cybersecurity professionals is favorable, with a sustained demand projected in the foreseeable future. The growing importance of cybersecurity and the increasing need for professionals who specialize in protecting computer systems, networks, and data from cyber threats are the key drivers behind this trend. As a result, pursuing a career in cybersecurity can offer long-term job security and growth opportunities in a rapidly evolving industry.

CYBERSECURITY Business technology

5. Pursuing a career in cybersecurity

If you’re interested in a cybersecurity career, know that there are many paths you can take. You can start by obtaining a degree in computer science or a related field. Many universities offer cybersecurity specializations within their computer science programs.

In addition to obtaining a degree, it’s important to gain practical experience. One should search for internships or entry-level positions in the cybersecurity field. Participating in internships or entry-level jobs within the cybersecurity field will enable you to acquire practical experience and enhance your skill set.

Another option is to obtain industry certifications. Certifications demonstrate your knowledge and skills in a specific area of cybersecurity.

6. Protecting Online Data: creating trust and Happiness

Protecting our online data not only helps to safeguard our identity and reputation, but it can also have a positive impact on our mental health. When we know that our personal information is secure, we can feel a sense of inner peace and security.

It can also help to build trust in your personal and professional relationships. When you take steps to protect your personal information, you demonstrate that you value your privacy and security. This can help to build trust with those around you.

In addition, protecting your online data can lead to a sense of empowerment and happiness. When you take control of your digital life, you can feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. You can also enjoy the benefits of being able to use the internet with confidence and without fear of cyber attacks.

Conclusion

As technology continues to advance, protecting your online data is more important than ever. Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to access your valuable personal information and the consequences of them achieving their goals can be so harmful that it is worth taking the time to implement security measures.

The time to protect your online data is now. By taking steps to protect your online data, such as using antivirus software and pursuing a career in cybersecurity, you can safeguard your identity and reputation, build trust in your relationships, and enjoy a sense of inner peace and happiness.

Cybersecurity experts, on the other hand, are the guardians of the virtual world, working tirelessly to protect sensitive data from cyber-attacks and ensuring that the internet is a reliable and efficient tool for everyone to use. By pursuing a career in cybersecurity, you can become an integral part of this community and contribute to creating a new digital world that is both safe and easy to navigate, enabling people to make the most of its endless possibilities while excluding negative experiences.