Your account got hacked, and all your savings are gone. Someone took over your Instagram or Facebook while conducting criminal activities, and you’re to blame. Sounds familiar? Surely, you’ve heard that you can prevent cybercrimes like the above from happening. But how? Here are a few tips and tricks to keep any kinds of accounts safe:
1. Keep all software and operating systems up to date
By doing this, it keeps all if not most vulnerabilities (latest) at bay. Of course, the best way is to turn on the automatic updates. Otherwise, you run the risk of getting hacked or exposed – be it personal data or even a stolen identity. An example would be the 2017 Equifax credit bureau, when the running of outdated software caused most Americans’ financial information to be leaked. For extra protection, install software that can also scan your system for viruses and malware. Some of them are free such as Avast.
2. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network)
It isn’t easy to protect yourself if you’re using public Wi-Fi. However, a few systems or software can assist while you surf the internet securely by encrypting your online traffic – whatever goes through your browser. As a result, you may not be fully protected, but it is more difficult for hackers or casual users to stalk you.
3. Multifactor Authentication
Enable more than one authentication to log in to any account. For instance, you can use a password, code, email message or fingerprint scanning (any of the two) to log in to your bank account app. It is an extra step, no doubt, but it does make things complicated for hackers and may deter them from breaking into your accounts.
4. Use unique passwords
Better still, use complicated ones. Create and use passwords at least 14 letters or more in length and include special characters, like numbers, punctuation, or symbols. If needed, you can complicate it even more by making use of upper and lower cases. If you have issues remembering passwords, a password manager program can help you create and remember secured ones like 1Password and LastPass. However, if you use Apple or Google, they have their respective applications like iCloud Keychain and Google Smart Lock to remember your passwords surely. Some may even require payment but hey, spending a little on IT security won’t hurt, especially when safeguarding your private data.
5. Encrypt and backup your data
The key is to protect all data. Encrypting and backing up your data is crucial for this. Encrypting will cause the hacker only to obtain non-readable data if they attempt to copy them. Some manufacturers assist their customers in securing all data by changing the system settings or installing software on products without them even knowing or realising. Good on them!
Digital security and personal data protection should never be taken lightly whether or not we have been victims of scam or cybercrime. As cyberattack trends change, we must also take the necessary precautions to protect ourselves from hackers, viruses and scammers.
SEGi offers a Bachelor of Computer Science (Hons) in Cybersecurity designed in consultation with industry partners who specialise in the field. SEGi also works closely with leading names in the EC Council, Oracle and Huawei Authorised Information and Network Academy to better equip our graduates with advanced credentials to provide them with a competitive advantage in an Industry 4.0-driven environment.
To know more, log on to www.segi.edu.my, or call 03-6145 1777 or WhatsApp 011-1210 6389. Alternatively, please speak to our counsellors to learn more about the courses and workshops available at the University.