Cyber attacks on individuals, businesses, and organizations are increasing rapidly today. It is alarming because many people and companies lose millions of money and confidential information to hackers.
According to a study by Cybersecurity Ventures, the cost of cybercrime is growing to $8 trillion in 2023. Not only that but it is predicted to hit $10.5 trillion by 2025.
Sad to say, some of your habits compromise your online security by giving hackers easy access to your private data. Let us take you through some unsafe practices to avoid for your online safety.
- 1. Not Locking Your Computer After Use
If you fail to lock your computer after using it, you surrender access to your files to other people. You make it easy for anyone who accesses your PC to share, modify or delete your confidential data.
It is advisable to lock your computer every time you leave your desk. Good enough, you do not need to log out but lock it by pressing the Windows and L keys.
As soon as you press them, the login screen appears immediately. It then requests a password from anyone who tries to open the computer.
- 2. Downloading Random Apps
People download many mobile apps on their smartphones and tablets for different purposes. However, it is not safe to download any app from an unknown source. Most random apps have not been tested for various security vulnerabilities, and contain harmful software that hackers use to steal your data.
To keep safe, you have to install apps from only trusted sources. The safest places are the Google Play Store for Android users and the Apple App Store for iOS devices.
Fortunately, some trusted enterprises and organizations have app stores for their in-house developed apps. These include banks, universities, telecom companies, online gaming platforms, and public institutions. For example, many trusted online casinos at https://www.australiaonlinecasinosites.com also use the same strategy. They have links on their websites that players use to download secure casino apps and enjoy various bonuses and games.
- 3. Opening Emails From Unknown Sources
Email marketing is an excellent advertising tool for many businesses, institutions, and organizations. More so, emails are popular communication channels. As a result, you receive many of them in your inbox.
However, never open any email from an unknown source. Emails from unknown sources are red flags because they usually carry ransomware, phishing scams, and spyware.
Fortunately, Google automatically filters out suspicious emails and dumps them into the spam folder. But do not completely trust it because some messages pass unnoticed. The system also makes errors sometimes and flags important emails as spam.
Use robust email security software like PowerDMARC to stay safe from freud.
- 4. Using Public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi connections usually have lax security. Hackers embrace this opportunity to steal passwords and personal data and to spy on you. They use several strategies to hack into your connection, as explained at https://www.wonderworldspace.com/the-most-common-types-of-cyber-attacks/ to accomplish their mission. Some of these include:
- Setting up malicious hotspots with trustworthy names.
- Using password cracking software that tries many passwords and usernames.
- Packet sniffing attacks.
The good news is that encryption keeps you safe on public Wi-Fi and protects you from exposing your data. So if you mainly use public Wi-Fi connections, you need a Virtual Private Network. It provides maximum protection using its essential security layers.
- 5. Ignoring Updates
Software updates boost your computer security. However, ignoring them puts your PC at a high risk of cyber attacks.
For example, anti-virus software service providers update their products after detecting new threats. Moreover, updating your computer’s anti-virus system saves it from them.
The good thing is that all software gives notifications when it needs updates.
To further advance your security measures, exploring the integration of AI and cybersecurity can provide sophisticated, automated defenses against emerging cyber threats.
- 6. Using Weak Passwords
Passwords are security tools that limit other people from accessing your private accounts and databases. However, use strong ones that unauthorized parties won’t easily crack.
Weak passwords provide cybercriminals with an easy avenue to exploit, and here are some of them to avoid:
- Short passwords
- Easily recognizable keystroke patterns
- Personal information
- Common combinations
- Repeated numbers or letters.
Strengthen your passwords using lengthy combinations, passphrases, non-dictionary words, and a mixture of letters and numbers. Additionally, a random password is the strongest because its details are not connected to you, and no one can easily guess it.
- 7. Sharing Personal Information Online
Social media is doing more harm by sharing your personal information with strangers. It puts you at a high risk of consequences like identity theft, fraud, and cyberbullying.
Strangers can easily access your personal information, such as addresses, birthdates, and phone numbers. Then use it for their wrong intentions.
Stay safe by not sharing too much private information on your social media accounts. Moreover, set your accounts to private because this limits strangers from viewing your profile.
- 8. Failure to Spot Phishing Attacks
Phishing attacks are other ways hackers use to get your confidential information. According to https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/security/email-security/what-is-phishing.html, they use baits that appear trustworthy. These convince you to give in your passwords, credit card details, and usernames.
The bait can be an email designed to masquerade as if it is from a trusted public institution or bank. You trust it and enter your sensitive data without suspecting it.
Without a doubt, you need a cautious attitude at all times to enable you to spot phishing attempts. Also, safe browsing and spam protection protect you from these attacks.
- Boost Your Online Safety
Boosting your online safety is not only about installing anti-virus software, safe browsing, and employing other internet security tools. But it also involves checking your daily habits on your devices. Some of these practices compromise your online safety, and you need to work on them to stay safe.
Sharon Howe is a creative person with diverse talents. She writes engaging articles for WonderWorldSpace.com, where she works as a content writer. Writing allows Sharon to inform and captivate readers. Additionally, Sharon pursues music as a hobby, which allows her to showcase her artistic abilities in another creative area.