In today’s digital world, one can never be too careful about cybersecurity and protecting oneself from hackers.
A single misstep is all it takes for cybercriminals to gain access to your private data or install malware. To safeguard your privacy and security online, avoiding common tech mistakes is crucial. Read on to discover those mistakes and how to prevent them.
With the internet pervasive, we rely heavily on technology for work, entertainment, and communication. However, this increased connectivity also exposes us to several cyber threats. Hackers are always on the prowl, looking to exploit technical vulnerabilities to access sensitive user data.
A data breach can have severe implications, including identity theft, financial fraud or the exposure of confidential information. Hackers use a variety of strategies to breach cyber defences, but more often than not, they exploit common user mistakes.
One can prevent most hacks by being vigilant and avoiding some fundamental errors that compromisers look to capitalise on.
You can secure your devices and online presence by identifying and preventing frequent tech pitfalls. This article discusses critical mistakes that may give access to hackers so that you can take precautions against malicious attacks or data leaks.
We also offer tips for better security practices when using personal gadgets or handling sensitive information online.
Below are common mistakes to avoid:
1. Downloading Applications from Unreliable Websites
The internet has many websites and apps offering free games, software tools, e-books, etc. While it might be tempting to download attractive apps from unknown sources, it poses severe malware and virus risks.
Hackers often hide malware in downloads from shady websites disguised as valuable tools. Installing such an infected app can steal data, install a keylogger, or give remote access without you even realising it.
Use secure sources like the Google Play Store and App Store for mobile apps. For PC software, rely only on the developer’s official website. Checking reviews also helps avoid malware-laced software.
2. Clicking on Links Sent Through Emails from Unknown Sources (Hackers/Scammers)
Phishing is a top attack vector for hackers, involving emails with malicious links to extract login credentials or other sensitive information. The email and link typically mimic a trustworthy source like your bank, a popular website or an online payment platform.
Once users click the embedded link and enter details on the fake portal, this data reaches the hackers directly. One should always click links in emails from familiar senders.
In case of expected emails that have links from known companies or contacts, cross-verify before accessing the URL to rule out spoofing.
3. Using the Same Password for All Accounts
Passwords act as the first line of defence to our online accounts. Having a weak password makes the account vulnerable to brute-force hacking attempts. Reusing the same password across different accounts compounds the risks further.
If hackers can access one account protected by that password, they can access all other accounts.
Following this, poor password hygiene enables hackers to take over multiple accounts quickly using just one cracked password. Ensure you use lengthy, complex, unique passwords for every account or service to restrict unauthorised access.
4. Not Updating Software Regularly
Vendors constantly release software updates and patches to fix bugs and close security loopholes in their applications. Not installing these timely updates leaves known vulnerabilities open for cybercriminals to exploit.
Hackers are always looking for machines running outdated software versions with fixable flaws. By delaying updates for your OS, browsers and other applications, your system presents an easy target.
Set up automatic updates wherever possible and periodically check for pending software updates to apply them before hackers can leverage these security gaps.
5. Avoiding Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor or multi-factor authentication secures accounts using an extra credential apart from the password for accessing accounts. This additional login step makes gaining unwanted access considerably trickier, even after guessing passwords correctly.
Despite this improved protection, many need to pay more attention to enable two-factor authentication due to the minor inconvenience. However, this shortcut costs a lot and compromises your account safety.
Configure two-factor authentication using SMS/emails/authentication apps wherever available. The minor hassle is worth the enhanced security.
6. Using Public Wi-Fi Networks
Public Wi-Fi connections at airports, hotels, cafes and libraries offer great convenience for getting online. However, they present unique risks due to countless devices sharing the open network, making it easier to snoop on traffic or conduct man-in-the-middle (MitM) attacks.
Hackers can casually view all data you exchange over public Wi-Fi without encryption. Never access sensitive apps like online banking over unsecured public networks. A reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts communication, shielding you from data interception or MitM attacks via Wi-Fi hotspots.
7. Failing to Backup Data
Backing up data is critical insurance against unexpected events like hard drive crashes, ransomware attacks or accidental file deletion. Maintaining recent backups of important files/folders on an external hard drive or cloud storage protects you from permanent data losses.
You risk significant data loss by permanently losing years of precious retainers and professional documents without proper backups. Schedule regular backups to guard your irreplaceable data against mishaps. You also limit damages from ransomware attacks, where hackers encrypt your data until you pay ransom to regain access.
Maintaining offline backups ensures you can always restore critical files, retaining access without ransom payment.
8. Using Weak Passwords
Passwords form the first line of defence protecting online accounts. It would help if you always supported their importance by setting predictable, easy-to-crack passwords. Tactics like using passwords involving dictionary words, common sequences (12345678), repetition (111aaa) or personal data, make accounts extremely vulnerable.
With enough attempts, weak passwords can be cracked almost instantly using brute force or guessing based on common tendencies. Always use randomly generated passwords with upper-case, lower-case, numeric and special characters. Increase length beyond eight characters as well for greater complexity.
Using a reliable password manager also significantly strengthens account security.
9. Not Using Antivirus Software
Antivirus software provides real-time scanning capabilities, keeping malware, spyware, bots and crypto miners at bay. Still, many neglect installing antivirus on the premise that it slows down their systems and renewal charges. Doing so puts systems at grave risk from virus infections spreading through malicious links, attachments and infected drives.
An active antivirus solution using updated definitions effectively detects and isolates threats before they wreak havoc. You can find excellent free antivirus programs from vendors like Avast and AVG, matching premium counterparts in detection rates.
Do not temporarily turn off your antivirus; ensure it stays updated using the latest virus definitions.
Conclusion
While the online world offers exceptional opportunities, hackers leverage it to target unsuspecting victims using crafty tactics. You can assume greater responsibility for cyber safety by avoiding common but damaging mistakes.
Embrace security best practices like using solid credentials, installing software updates promptly, restricting public Wi-Fi access and maintaining recent backups regularly. Stay vigilant and keep hackers locked out permanently through better everyday habits.
Click here, to read about tips to prevent account hacking.
Researched by Adejoke Toye
