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We are living at a special time in technological innovation. The 21st century has vastly improved upon existing computer technology and extended its range of applications. Because of this, it is now possible to use digital versions of real-world concepts. Moreover, while using computers for convenience, they also offer unique security that would be otherwise impossible.
Cryptocurrencies
One of the most prolific inventions of the last 10 years is that of cryptocurrency. If you aren't aware, digital currencies like Bitcoin and Qoin (more on LinkedIn) are bank-decentralized forms of payment facilitated over the internet. While you might think that this is a relatively simple prospect, the beauty of crypto is that it is completely secure and anonymous.
The security and anonymity of cryptocurrencies make them an excellent solution to some online payment problems. For example, issues such as money interception, leaked bank details and traced transactions. You have the right to secure and anonymous buying and selling, and crypto facilitates this exceptionally well.
Virtual Wallets
Digital payment platforms are similar to cryptocurrencies. However, they use money from your bank account instead. There are many virtual wallet payment systems such as PayPal, Stripe, Google Pay, Amazon Pay and Apple Pay. You must preload cash onto your virtual wallet from your bank account with real money to use these services.
Then you can use one of these payment systems as an alternative payment method to your bank card, wherever they are accepted. Virtual wallets are becoming more widely accepted by some of the world's largest companies. They are also widely accepted for online retail and service providers such as paying for utility bills or shopping at Amazon.
Digital Signatures
E-Signatures are nothing new, but the Covid-19 pandemic during 2019 and 2021 resulted in a sharp increase in their use. Since 2017, the use of e-signature apps has increased from around 90 million users to approximately 750 million. It is believed that the global pandemic contributed significantly to this rise in prominence since in-person meetings were impossible.
But digital signature software is exceptionally versatile. Apart from the apparent advantage of facilitating legally binding signatures remotely, they come with a host of features. Not least the security features. Digital signatures are verified more comprehensively when digital than when using real-world ink. Bank details and other verification methods authorize signatures, and editing restrictions and encryption can be placed on a document.
Password Managers
One of the easiest methods of gaining unauthorized entry into a network is using credentials such as a username and password. Unfortunately, this is easy for even a moderately skilled hacker, and a "Script Kiddie" can easily use software to force entry. However, the primary reason it is so easy is that most people use easily guessable passwords like "123", a name or simply, "password".
People cannot really be blamed for this. For one, it is the responsibility of the network administrators to ensure that adequate credentials are used. Still, most people don't have the memory to recall complex passwords containing 32-string alphanumeric characters and symbols. Password managers like LastPass, however, can not only store your passwords, but they can generate highly complex strings of 256 characters, almost impossible to breach.
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