Are you aware of the dangers of cyber-crime? If not, you need to be. In today’s world, cyber-crime is on the rise. It’s become so rampant, in fact, that it’s now considered one of the top threats to our safety.
Make sure your password is strong
It is important to use a strong password. Not only will this help keep your information safe, but it will also make it difficult for others to access your account if they manage to gain access to your password.
To create a strong password, use a combination of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Make sure the password is at least 8 characters long and include a mix of characters. Additionally, do not use easily guessed words or easily accessible personal information (social security number, birthdate, etc.).
Stay up-to-date on security patches
Keeping your computer up-to-date on security patches is essential to maintaining your online safety. Many recent cyber-attacks have been due to vulnerabilities that were not patched or were only fixed after a hacker had already exploited them. Make sure you use antivirus software and a strong password to protect yourself, but also check for updates on your security software routinely.
To find the latest security patches, most computer manufacturers make available a software update utility or website. Windows 8.1 and 10 include a built-in update option, while macOS 10.13 has a Software Update window that appears when you first start up the computer. Other devices (smartphones, tablets) will have their own update mechanisms.
If you don’t have updates available, there are several ways to download and install them. Microsoft has made available an updater for Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, and 10 that can be downloaded from the Microsoft Download Center. Apple offers software updates for the Mac operating system through the App Store and the Mac App Store in general, as well as updates for Safari and other Apple products. For Linux users, there is a variety of option including compiling the latest packages from source code or using third-party programs such as Upatre to install updates automatically.
Installing patches is important, but it’s also important to understand how to respond if you encounter an attack that uses a vulnerability that’s been patched. If you encounter an attack which uses a vulnerability that’s been patched and you don’t have updated security software enabled, some common steps you might take are disabling macros (if you use them), turning off ActiveX controls (if you use them), disabling Window Scripting (Windows XP and earlier), and disabling Java applets (Firefox 45 and later). These are just some basic steps to help mitigate attacks that use security vulnerabilities that have been patched.
Remember that even if your computer is up-to-date on security patches, there is still a risk of being hacked if you fall victim to a phishing attack or if you visit an unsecured website. Be sure to use common sense online and always be alert for potential threats.
Don’t open suspicious emails or links
Never open an email that you don’t know or don’t trust. It’s important to be cautious with anything that comes your way, especially if it’s an email you don’t recognize. If the sender of the email is unknown to you, it’s best to just ignore it. If you can’t determine whether or not the email is legitimate, don’t open it.
Be weary of links in emails and online messages. Unless you’re sure who sent the email and what the link is for, be cautious about clicking on it. Many cyber-criminals use links in their emails as a way to bait unsuspecting victims into opening a malicious file or attachment. Be especially wary of links that look unexpected or suspicious.
If you don’t know who sent the email, don’t open it. Cyber-criminals often use spoofed (fake) addresses in their emails in order to catch unsuspecting users off guard. Never enter someone else’s address into your browser unless you know who they are and what they’re asking for.
Never give out your password to anyone. Passing along your login information via email is one of the simplest ways for a cyber-criminal to gain access to your account. If you can’t remember your password, never enter it into any website or application where it’s required. Instead, create a strong password that you can easily remember.
If something feels off about an email, don’t click on any links or attachments. Even if the email appears to be from a trusted source, be cautious about opening any attachments or downloads. Don’t trust links just because they come from someone you know. Check the URL (uniform resource locator) and make sure it matches the address of the website or message you’re visiting.
Don’t visit unknown websites
When visiting a website for the first time, it is always a good idea to do your research. Make sure to check the website’s reputation and to see if it has any negative reviews. If it doesn’t have reviews, it is probably a safe bet to visit. However, there are some websites that are worth checking out even if they don’t have many reviews. For example, some of the most popular websites in the world, like Google and Facebook, don’t have a lot of reviews. However, because these websites are so popular, it is unlikely that you will encounter any malicious content on them.
Another thing to consider when visiting a new website is whether or not you trust the domain name. For example, if the website’s URL is “www.example.com”, it is generally safe to assume that the website is reputable. However, if the website’s URL is “www.example.com/fake”, it is probably a scam.
Last but not least, always use common sense when browsing the internet. Do your research before you visit a new website, and be sure to be aware of any scams that might be out there.
Use a VPN when online
When using a VPN, your online security is greatly increased. By using a VPN, you can protect yourself from hackers and other online threats. A VPN can help keep your data safe when you’re online, both at home and on the go. A VPN is also a great way to keep your identity and online activity anonymous. Contrary to popular belief, using a VPN is not only beneficial for security purposes.
Keeping your online safety a top priority is essential in today’s world. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from cyber-crime and keep your personal information safe.