Hackers are always looking for new ways to grab your most sensitive data via Cyber Attacks. Staying secure isn’t easy, but with a bit of preparation, you can block 99% of potential attacks and browse with confidence. Here are 10 essential tips for keeping your computer and other devices secure:
Also Read: Top 10 Biggest Data Breaches Of 2017
Assume you’re a target of Cyber Attacks
Cyber crimes are easiest when the victims are confident that they couldn’t possibly be targeted by Cyber Attacks. The first step is understanding that you are a target and that there are active and passive steps you can take to reduce your vulnerability.
Change your habits to improve your security
Cybersecurity software is only half the battle. Even if your computer can’t be hacked, a cleverly disguised phishing email or a scam website can still trick you into downloading a virus or giving up personal information. Learn to identify suspicious and malicious online activity so you can secure your greatest weak point – yourself.
Protect your devices
If your devices are lost or stolen, they can grant others access to sensitive data. Hackers can even turn your own hardware into a liability, so learn how to tell if your laptop camera is hacked.
Learn how to make a strong password
If you use “password123,” you’re asking for trouble. Use upper-case, lower-case, and numerical characters for a more secure password. Pick something unexpected that makes sense to you but nobody else – that will make it nearly impossible to guess.
Arm yourself with cybersecurity tools
VPNs and antivirus programs are powerful tools that help keep hackers out. However, not all VPNs are the same. Free services may be enticing, but they usually keep logs of their users’ traffic to earn ad revenue. Some full-feature VPNs, like NordVPN, can guarantee no logs, making them some of the most private VPNs available.
Know where your internet is coming from
Public Wi-Fi is notoriously insecure, while school or work networks can monitor your traffic. Always keep track of what you’re connected to and understand the risks of public networks.
Malware can spread in many different ways
There’s a reason they’re called “viruses” – they were made to be infectious. Simply monitoring incoming downloads or file shares isn’t enough – USBs or even CDs can carry viruses from computer to computer.
Software updates are important
When a software or OS developer discovers a vulnerability in their product, they release an update as soon as possible to patch it up. Updates may be annoying, but they help keep you secure.
Back up your data
The “nuclear option” for eliminating a virus is to reset your device or to wipe it clean and reinstall the OS. Prepare for this possibility by securely backing up your most important data – and make sure it isn’t infected when you return it to your system.
Learn to recognize suspicious activity
Not all cyber attacks is immediately recognizable as such. Some hackers may be content to use your devices or accounts as part of a botnet. Others won’t initiate Cyber attacks you but will steal your identity to defraud others. All of these activities, while subtle, leave a trail of suspicious messages or unauthorized connections that can often be identified and acted upon to secure your account.
