3 Computer Security Tips To Protect You From Cybercriminals
Sure, you live in a great neighborhood with watchmen guarding your gates 24/7, but are you really safe? Considering that most times, threats don't come from outside, but from inside your own computer.
Especially in India, where the number of cyber-crime cases lodged has grown by 350% from 2011 to 2015. In this period, more than 32000 crimes were reported all across the country.
The Information Age has brought, with its benefits, a long list of threats to your personal security on the internet. So, if you'd rather be safe than sorry, here are a few tips you can follow to lower your chances of being a victim:
1. Secure Your Passwords
On most websites, your passwords are the only things keeping you from accessing your digital accounts. So, it is absolutely essential that your password is as strong as possible.
Most hackers use brute force – a trial and error method – to easily crack weak, 6-7 character passwords within a matter of few minutes to a few hours. The best way to deal with this is to have a longer password, or a "passphrase", or a password that is randomly generated.
If you're thinking, "How do I keep all these random, different passwords in my head?" – don't worry. Get a password manager like LastPass or DashLane which will store all your passwords in a program that can be unlocked with a single, master password.
2. Do NOT Click on Suspicious Links
Sometimes, with a little social engineering, hackers can pose as friends or family and send you emails and messages with links to win offers, discounts and prizes.
Do NOT click on links in messages or emails that seem fishy or out of place. They can be linked to anything - a form to extract all your personal or financial details, a malicious program, a malware download etc.
If you encounter huge, detailed forms on the internet, don't ever bother filling them up unless it's a website you've visited by your own accord - like a banking or shopping website. Such forms are sieves for hackers to glean important personal information and ruin your life.
3. Secure Your Computer
Using malware and hidden Trojans to infiltrate your computer is a common technique used by hackers. They can use this technique to log your keystrokes and gain access to all your accounts.
To avoid this, enhance your computer security by regularly updating your antivirus and using its real-time protection feature. Antiviruses with this feature warn you or even take action against malicious programs as they are downloaded to your computer.
Also, update all your software regularly, and ensure your firewall is working at optimum.
Internet "Hacktivism" is another problem that affects large conglomerates and government agencies, leading to a leak of personal information pertaining to millions of people. And since the security of your information lies with these agencies and organizations, you can't really do anything about it.
Companies like Google have been upping their online security game for years, but you never know what might hit you. The best you can do is to be educated and updated on the risks of using the internet and to follow the security measures listed above for a safe and painless virtual existence.