7 New Year’s resolutions to #RestoreControl online in 2015

Half of UK consumers (48%) feel they do not have control over their online lives, according to research by Dashlane.

The report –  #RestoreControl – found that security fears, the sheer volume of online activity and irritations with the quality of their online experience are leading to frustration and a sense of helplessness among Brits. This particularly affects the Millennial generation, with more than three-fifths (62%) of 18-24 year olds saying that technology takes up too much of their time.

So, to save yourself from online turmoil, Dashlane has helpfully outlined seven ways in seven days to restore your online dignity:

Day one – Forget your passwords

Experts tell us that every account you access should have a different, complex password. Unless you’re in Mensa – chances are you’ll struggle with this. Many of us use some form of personal mnemonic that forms the basis for multiple logins. But this only makes them more hackable by social engineering tactics and computers with the power to test infinite pattern permutations. Download Dashlane’s password management app which will create a complex password for you at the click of a button and then automatically log you in. It will save your memory and is much safer.

Day two – Keep it clean

Invest in security software (Here’s MoneySavingExpert’s list of the best free antivirus software), and regularly update to the latest operating system, software and apps to protect your computer and devices from new attacks.

Day three – Give your inbox a spring clean

They say curiosity killed the cat, and it could be your undoing online too. Delete suspicious looking emails and don’t follow any links they contain. Set up your inbox to divert spam to your junk mailbox, and to auto-archive mail that you’ve only been cc’d on. For more information on staying safe online, visit the Government’s Cyber Streetwise website.

Day four – Make time for time

Take control of your time. There are some brilliant time management apps out there. Understand how you use your time and then take steps to manage it more effectively – here is a recent roundup of three leading apps to help you do just that.

Day five – Make your browser work for you

Take management of your browser and it’ll be your best ally in restoring control online. All browsers will let you control and limit pop-ups, and plugins are available that can completely remove advertising from your screen. You may also want to add a layer of control to the online lives of those around you. Visit the UK Safer Internet Centre for how-to guides on the most effective in-browser parental control measures.

Day six – Nominate a trusted back-up buddy

Just as you might give a spare set of keys to a trusted friend or family member that lives nearby, nominate a trusted emergency contact for key online accounts should you forget or get locked out of password-protected accounts. Dashlane’s Emergency feature lets you do just that.

Day seven – Just walk away

Set limits on the time you spend online. Is there a certain time at night when you need to disconnect? How about disconnecting for half an hour at lunch? And if you can’t bring yourself to switch off, there are apps that can give you the option of banning yourself from particular sites at particular times or for a length of time. Put the boundaries in place and then stick to them!