The world of technology is constantly evolving. While we used technology and the Internet to access our emails and browse websites in the past, now they have infiltrated every part of our lives. Smartphones are everywhere, giving us access to the Internet from the palm of our hand, and with all the new uses of smart technologies in ways we would have never imagined. New ways of communication have been developed, and you can even work, study or visit a doctor without leaving your home.
In this time and age, their whole life is online for most people. And this brings a whole new set of dangers. With our growing online presence, it is getting easier for hackers to gain access to your data and exploit it. Luckily, organizations and businesses have taken the threat seriously. They are implementing various cybersecurity strategies such as multi-level authentication or digital footprint to protect their customers. But this doesn’t mean you just need to let nature take its course. Your online safety and data privacy are your responsibility, and you need to take all the necessary steps to protect yourself.
What data do hackers want from you?
Every time we access the Internet, we leave our data behind. From your online banking website or e-commerce sites to social media profiles, your personal information is everywhere on the Internet, and hackers are just looking for an opportunity to get it and exploit it.
PII or personally identifiable information is the main target for hackers. Hackers can cause severe damage by gaining access to your name, address, date of birth, email address, tax number, or even your medical or employment records. Not only can they use these details to steal your identity, but they can also use them to compromise your other online accounts.
Emails, SMS, and instant messages from social media messaging apps. Imagine what kind of information hackers could get from confidential business documents to your bank account details if they gain access to your emails or even your messages. They can even utilize your contact list to conduct phishing attacks on everyone you know.
Hackers have constantly been trying to develop new ways of exploiting this data, and there is no limit to what they can do with it. Your data can be used to access your accounts and steal your money; hackers can even sell it to the highest bidder or use your details to conduct further malicious actions affecting even more people.
How can you protect your data from hackers?
Hackers are constantly evolving their techniques, making it hard to stay ahead of them. But, it is possible. Just follow the next steps and protect yourself from online dangers.
1. Protect your devices.
Your devices are your doors to the online world, and they need to be protected if you want to keep your data secure. Install antivirus software and firewall on all your devices to keep hackers away. You should also utilize the encryption features to ensure you are the only one who can access them.
2. Enable two-factor authentication.
Most websites now offer this option, and you should utilize it whenever possible, especially on the accounts that have access to your financial data.
3. Choose your apps wisely.
Only download your apps from trusted sources as apps from unofficial sources could be carefully orchestrated traps hackers have set up to corrupt your devices. Update them regularly to ensure they are protected from any vulnerabilities hackers might exploit.
4. Implement good password hygiene.
A large number of data breaches occur due to bad password hygiene. We need to remember so many different passwords that it seems easier to reuse the one you always use. But that leaves the door open for hackers to access the account they breached and all the other ones with the same password.
5. Be mindful when using public Wi-Fi.
Public WI-FI points are more vulnerable than private ones, and hackers are keen to exploit those vulnerabilities. You should avoid accessing websites asking for your confidential information, such as your online banking or e-commerce sites unless you are on a secure connection.
6. Be careful where you click.
Hackers will often try to pretend they are trusted source to trick you into revealing your private data. For example, you would receive an email from a “bank” asking you to update your details by clicking on the link, which will send you to a fake website created only to gain access to your data.
These tips will help you reduce online dangers you might face and let you continue enjoying your digital life without fear.