Cyber security safety guide

With so many recent cyber security breache, it has become increasingly necessary to become secure online. With so many access points (via smart home devices, fitness trackers, etc.), it’s easier than ever to fall prey to a potential hack. Breaches can happen to the best of us, not just your vulnerable average Joe. Hackers have sophisticated ways of stealing your identity and could be accessing your accounts as we speak. Unlike a house break-in where there is often evidence of a crime, it is a lot easier for digital theft to go unnoticed. Are you leaving the front door wide open for these new-age criminals? Read on to learn some basic cyber security tips that could save you, before it’s too late.

Cyber Security Safety Tips

Nearly half of INDIANS have been exposed to some sort of cyber security threat. If that’s not convincing enough to jump on the bandwagon, learn more shocking stats and why cyber security is so important. How exactly do these hackers get access to our precious data? There are some more traditional methods used to steal people’s identity(like dumpster diving and malware), but nowadays there are some newer ways that you should be aware of too.
Here are some basic cyber security tips and tricks to help you prevent a personal data breach.
  • Use a VPN – A Virtual Private Network (or VPN) masks your IP address (or internet location) making it more difficult for intruders to gain access to your information. VPN services can be used on your computer and smartphone. Lucky for you, we’ve got a step by step guide on how to set up a VPN on various devices. Whenever possible, avoid using location-based services that publicly check you into a location or apps that use your position to track your whereabouts.
  • Put a lock on your (smart) home – Your router is the primary entrance into your residence for cybercriminals. At a minimum, you should have a password that is unique and secure. To take it a few steps further, you can also enable multi-factor login or better yet get a firewall for your smart home hub that acts as a shield to protect anything that’s connected to your WiFi via a wireless connection or your smart home hub.
  • Protect your devices too – If you don’t have a password to unlock your phone and computer, stop what you’re doing right now and set this up. That will ensure no one can access the contents of your devices (like email and documents) if it is misplaced or stolen.
  • Avoid paying at the pump – Have you ever pulled up to the gas station only to find every single kiosk says “see cashier” or “pay inside”? Sure it is an inconvenience but it may just save you from identity theft! Since gas station credit card machines are often unattended, it is fairly easy for savvy hackers to put card reading equipment (aka skimmer) on them. When you dip your debit or credit card into the reader, the skimmer swipes the data from your magnetic strip which can be used to replicate your data onto a new plastic card.
  • Make your login difficult to guess – In addition to having a super secure password for every account and app, it’s equally as ideal to have a username that is unique. While it’s tempting to use your email, parts of your name (JDoe) or your name with a number at the end (JohnDoe3), hackers can use clues like your name to try just about every combination of your first name, last name and numbers to “guess” what your username could be.
  • Turn on two-step authentication – This is an online security measure where a code is sent to you via a phone call or text. This code serves as a verification method upon login to ensure you are who you say you are and should have access to the account. It’s becoming more common to offer and encourage this extra layer of security. While it can be a bit annoying at times, the extra step can go a long way in keeping your personal data safe. You will want to start by adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to bank accounts, credit cards, email and other websites that have sensitive information (IRS, doctors office, stock trading, etc.). Then make a good habit to set it up whenever you create new online accounts in the future.

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