Important Cybersecurity Tips to Not Get Hacked
Today most businesses have taken over online platforms. Unfortunately, this dependency has also made us prone to security risks. Cybercrime and hacking have affected so many people involved in the business. These can happen at any time, hackers can easily impersonate the organization and can hack the system. Even a minor mistake can lead to the failure of your business completely. It is up to the individual and their business to protect themselves, their data, and privacy.
“One single vulnerability is all an attacker needs” - Window Snyder, Chief Security Officer, Fastly.
We have curated a list of tips segregated into different categories & bespoke solutions to ensure that you remain safe from any security breach and remain safe. Check the list below.
Passwords and data
- Delete your browser history
Deleting the history can protect personal information. It also helps the application run way better on the device.
- Clear caches
Your browser tends to carry the information and after some time it can create a problem. Clearing the cache can speed up the device as is the result of the space that is being cleaned up. It will also protect your confidential data.
- Use better passcodes
Use a combination of symbols, numbers uppercase, and lowercase. And it should have at least 8 characters to ensure that it isn't easily predictable by hackers.
- Change passwords frequently
Change them at least many times for one year. Get a new one every time to avoid repetition.
Network
- Secure the network that you use
When you buy and set up a router, it doesn’t have that great security features. You have to take charge of everything. Whenever you’re logging in to the router, set a password to make sure you’re using a secure setup and it is encrypted. Doing so will keep invaders from accessing your network and mess with the settings.
- Using two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is the addition of an extra sheet of security to your device or account so that no other invader can log in. Passwords are great, but this will send you a 6-digit code to your email address or phone number after you log in.
- Using encryption
Using encryption will make sure that the information stays between the sender and receiver. Even if an invader tries to access your files or network. You can easily encrypt any file or USB drive in both macbook and windows which has confidential information. The other substitute is using a VPN so that you can encrypt the web traffic.
- Avoid using unsecured public Wi-Fi
They’re inherently more insecure than private networks. Hackers can create a fake hotspot to practice men in the middle (MITM) attack on the victims that join the network. Apart from this, they do not have any security features. This is why the user becomes easy to target.
Browser and apps
- Keep browser and app up to date
Updates come in handy with security fixes that will prevent hackers from handling your data.
- Shutdown the device
Always make sure that you shut your device. It will finish the chance of visibility and availability. Shutting down will break the network that you’re trying to achieve.
- Using virtualization
Is the best way to keep away from intrusion created by browsers to get rid of unsafe sites. Virtualization will allow you to open your browser in a virtual environment.
Software
- Using firewall
It manages your network traffic. It will block unwanted network traffic trying to come into your network range.
- A good quality antivirus
If your computer is slow or delete some files on its own. Perhaps your device is infected with viruses. An antivirus will detect threats. After installing an antivirus program, do use it. You can also schedule a regular visit to keep your device virus-free.
- Anti-spyware package
Spyware secretly collects, monitors, and collects personal and business information. It can be quite cumbersome to detect and hard to remove. It will show ads and will direct you to malicious websites that can easily exploit your security. Spyware records your keystrokes and gains access to the passwords and other information, including your financial information. Good anti-spyware will protect by scanning all the information and data and then blocking them.
- Security app
Using this will not only protect your device but also clean it, boost the speed, and work as an antivirus hence keeping it safe from antivirus.
Security basics
- Turn off Bluetooth
Hackers can access your data by connecting via Bluetooth. Therefore, turn off your Bluetooth after the work is done,
- Don’t download from unauthorized sources
Some malicious files and apps will allow that group to easily take over your device and block you from using the device. This is why you should never visit the site with an unauthorized origin.
- Backup important data
Backup your data on a USB or external hard drive. So that if you have to remove the data (in case of hacking), you can still keep a copy of all your data.
- Avoid phishing
It is very tricky to detect. you might receive emails or messages which will offer you to log in and ask for some account information. This is the very easiest way to access your information even without the user knowing the reality.
- Make sure to log out from public devices
Try to log in from your device as much as possible. If you’re using any other device, make sure to log out later on.
- Visit secure sites
Check whether the URL begins from “HTTPS” rather than “HTTP”. The meaning of “s” in HTTPS is secure and it indicates that the site is using Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) Certificate. Also, check for the lock icon, website maintenance & site authentifications too.
- Wipe your data if you sense threat
It is a vulnerable point of access identity and your data. Make sure to turn off your Wi-Fi in a public area. An easy eavesdrop will enable a malicious hacker to get access.
Conclusion
Being a victim of malware or hacker is like a nightmare. It puts all your hard-earned business and personal information prone to theft and risk. Following safe practices can help in combating unwanted guests out of your device. Following the simple steps given in the above points can greatly reduce the potential dangers of not getting hacked. So before working on any project make sure to incorporate these points into practice.