No matter how many methods you have in place to protect your sensitive data, the bitter truth is that no PC is entirely safe. Your devices are safe as long as they are offline or not connected to the Internet. Once they are connected, they are prone to cybercriminals who are looking to steal your bank account details, social media credentials, and other personal information. The point is there that the online world, like the real world, is lined up with many threats. Apart from tablets, smartphones, and computers, smart devices like TV, home security cameras, and automation systems can be connected to the internet.
More devices mean more resources to target by threat actors.
There are many ways hackers might steal personal information. One is to get information directly from internet-connected devices by installing spyware sending data from your device to them without your knowledge. Besides, they might send you a phishing email that looks like your bank’s email to you. Spyware is also used to track keystrokes and take a snapshot of your device’s screen to get passwords, account numbers, and other sensitive data.
Losing your data at the hands of hackers can lead to unpleasant consequences such as stealing bank account passwords or leakage of sensitive data.
Therefore, it is time to get serious about your cybersecurity. And these tips will help you avoid getting hacked.
Change Your Passwords Frequently:
Changing passwords might sound a basic piece of advice. But you realize it only when your information is stolen due to weak passwords. Using passwords like 1,2,3,4 or ABCD or even your date of birth is a low hanging fruit for a hacker. They take no moment to guess such easy passwords. Besides, they are equipped with sophisticated tools to crack such credentials. Make sure to use complicated passwords being composed of alphabets, numerical and special characters. And change them more often.
Install Antivirus and Antimalware:
Antivirus and antimalware tools protect your system from spam ware, malware, and viruses. Some of them are free while some of them are paid. While free antivirus products can do the trick, use the premium one if you have sensitive data like bank account details and other things on PC. Antivirus and antimalware tools detect the latest threats and let you remove malicious elements from the device. One more thing—make sure to update them when you are notified for the same. Don’t ignore the pop up for software updates.
Beware of Emails from Unknown Senders:
Phishing emails are one of the tried and tested ways to trick people into giving their sensitive information. For example, an email looks like as if is from your bank and boss and ask for passwords or sending money. The hackers are so smart that they don’t leave any reason to doubt the authenticity of the email. While identifying such emails can be challenging, you can do one thing. Don’t provide your information to them in the first place. Instead, contact the recipient that can be your bank or known one who is requesting for information or money.
Don’t Leave Your Devices Exposed:
Admit it. Most of us leave our devices, whether it’s a phone or computer, unlocked. And this is an invitation for someone to access your data. You never know who view or touch your devices when they are unattended. It goes without saying that you should lock them.
Choose Your Vendors Carefully:
Many people use online services such as IT support, cloud storage, and food delivery. While these services are convenient, they can make your information vulnerable if they don’t have good security systems in place. For example, if you use IT support services to get your PC software fixed on remote assistance, make sure they are a reputed one and have certain cybersecurity certificates or accreditations.
Avoid Using Unfamiliar WI-FI Network:
Free Wi-Fi is often available in cafés or park. But the one catch with such free Wi-Fi services is that they might not be safe. Therefore, they should be avoided for making payments online or using passwords for any account. If it is important, you can use a VPN or Virtual Private Network. It is online services that use your ISP provider or any network you use. When your VPN is activated, your data is encrypted while your real IP address is hidden.
Don’t Use the Devices you’re Not Sure About:
Avoid using devices like flash drives you are not sure about. Loading malicious software on these USB thumb drives by hackers is quite real. They can even drop them near your house or workplace. A user is likely to pick it up and plug it into their system out of sheer curiosity. And this can steal your information once the malicious software gets into your computer.
So these are some tips to avoid getting hacked by cybercriminals. If you need any assistance or you have a requirement for your IT Support service you can contact us.
