Don't Be the Next Cyber Crime Statistic: Protect Yourself from Hackers
Don't Be the Next Cyber Crime Statistic: Protect Yourself from Hackers
In an age where cyber crime seems to be getting more and more common, you can never be too careful about your personal data being leaked. Unfortunately, if you don’t understand the way hackers work, it can be incredibly difficult to protect yourself from them. Whether you’re worried about your information being stolen or your identity being abused, this article will help you to take the right steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber crime. Click here to read this article now!
Keep your software up-to-date
One of the best ways to prevent hackers and viruses is to keep your software up-to-date. If a virus can infiltrate your computer, chances are it’s because you didn’t update. Keeping track of operating system and application updates, as well as ensuring that you have all current antivirus software running on your device is an easy way to protect yourself against cyber crime. Additionally, remember to set strong passwords with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols when setting up new accounts online. The more complex your password is, the harder it will be for someone else to break into your account.
Choose a password that isn’t obvious
Password123, 12345678, and qwerty are easy to guess by online criminals. It’s a good idea to use a combination of letters and numbers with no obvious patterns. The computer won’t tell you if your password is secure; you have to decide that for yourself! Make sure your password is a minimum of eight characters long. Don’t forget it!
Use Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication requires two ways to verify your identity when you log in to a site. (For example, logging in using both your username and password—and then getting a text message with an additional code.) Adding an extra layer of security is just one way to protect yourself from being hacked. Logging in frequently and changing your passwords regularly are also important steps for securing yourself against cyber crime.
Use different passwords for different websites
Using different passwords for different websites is a great way to keep your information secure. Always make sure that you use capital letters, numbers, and special characters in your passwords. You can also change them regularly to avoid hackers remembering them. It’s a good idea to have a password manager like LastPass or 1Password to help you organize them so that they are easy to access at any time of day or night.
Don’t click links in emails or text messages you don’t recognize
If you receive an email or text message with a link that’s not recognizable, don’t click it. There have been countless stories of hackers impersonating their victims in order to gain access to their accounts and personal information. If you receive an email or text message with a link, save it in your phone under Spam so you can forward it to yourself when you have time to research its legitimacy.
Download antivirus software
Antivirus software is a necessary piece of your personal-security toolkit. Depending on your operating system, you can choose between Windows Defender and Microsoft Security Essentials for Windows, or Mac users can select among Avast! Free Antivirus for Mac, Sophos Antivirus for Mac Home Edition and Intego Mac Internet Security X9 for Mountain Lion.
Keep an eye on your bank account, credit cards, and your security software
You can never be too careful when it comes to your personal finances. When you’re online, thieves and cyber criminals are just waiting for a chance to take everything you have—and they may not even break a sweat. Keeping an eye on your bank account, credit cards, and your security software is crucial for protecting yourself. If anything looks suspicious, contact a security specialist immediately. Knowing how to tell if your information has been hacked is essential for protecting yourself in today’s digitally driven world.