Keeping your Devices secure in 2020 If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that the unexpected can happen at any time. This includes falling victim to cybercrime. With the number of hacking attempts rising by the years, you no longer have the luxury of living with unsecured devices.
Keeping your Devices secure in 2020
If there’s anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that the unexpected can happen at any time. This includes falling victim to cybercrime. With the number of hacking attempts rising by the years, you no longer have the luxury of living with unsecured devices.
A study conducted by the University of Maryland now reveals that hacking attacks occur once every 39 seconds. Scary, right?
The advancement in technology and the internet has opened doors for cybercriminals to attack ignorant businesses and individuals. Gone are the days when an antivirus was all you needed to stay secure.
Which risks are your devices exposed to?
- Social Engineered hacking
Dubbed as the 'future of hacking', most cybercriminals are now using the vulnerability of your emotions and psychology to steal data. This can be in the form of a phishing email or text, that prompts you to give away personal information.
The criminal disguises as a colleague or employee from your bank and asks you questions to gain your trust. Once you've established some sort of trust, they then ask for your credentials.
While it can be easy to defend social engineered attacks, hackers are getting more devious with their tactics, making it an ever-present risk.
- Targeted Ransomware
Some experts believe that the number of ransomware attacks is decreasing globally, but this doesn't mean it's going away. In fact, hackers are now redirecting their efforts towards targeted attacks on mobile devices and small businesses.
The ransomware locks you out of your device and asks for a ransom to regain control.
Today, hackers aren’t doing this just for the money. They also use ransomware to destroy data and steal information from individuals and businesses.
- Sophisticated Malware
Malware attacks are among the most popular attacks used by cybercriminals. While some of them are easily detectable, hackers have now learnt how to hide their malware from antiviruses and firewalls. They come in the form of viruses, trojans, spyware and worms.
What’s worse, millions of new malware variants pop up each year – meaning that you’ll definitely encounter them from time to time.
The above risks can be disastrous when they affect your devices. However, they are not the only threats you should be worried about. It’s, therefore, vital that stay well-prepared in case any attack is targeted towards your devices.
Security tools to protect yourself from cyber threats
Among the best ways to stay on top of your privacy is investing in quality security tools. Here are five of the top tools you should consider:
- An antivirus
While an antivirus isn't always 100% full-proof against malware and social engineering attacks, it can protect you against some cyber risks. It works with your firewall to scan your devices and detects some of the most common viruses and trojans.
Nonetheless, most free antivirus won’t do you any good. For your own privacy, opt for a proven paid antivirus.
- A VPN
One of the easiest ways for a hacker to access your devices is through public networks. The open wi-fi in restaurants, libraries and airports makes it easier for them to trick you into giving up your details through network spoofing.
A simple VPN download is the only way to remain safe when using such a network. The VPN will encrypt your data traffic, blocking out third parties from accessing it.
- Two-factor authentication tools
Regardless of how complex your password is, a smart hacker can finally get access to it – even if it takes years. That's why you shouldn't rely on your passwords alone. You also need to invest in two-factor authentication, which adds an extra layer of security to your devices.
This way, even when a malicious person gets their hands on your passwords, they won’t be able to bypass the second security layers.
- Encryption tools
When hackers can’t get to your device over the internet, they may try physical hacking. To prevent this, you should consider installing or activating your encryption tools. Encrypting a disk with several sensitive information might just be the advantage you have over a hacker.
There are numerous encryption tools for both computers and smartphones. Find one that’s compatible with your device and stay protected.
- Password manager
By now, you probably know how dangerous it is to repeat one password for multiple accounts. However, writing them down isn’t a better solution either. You need to find a secure password manager to store all those different passwords.
Most password managers use robust encryption systems to secure your data, so you can be confident that your passwords will be safe.
Final thoughts
The advancement in the use of the internet is both a good and bad thing. While it’s making our lives easier and more convenient, it’s also exposing our devices to more cyber risks. Therefore, you have to take your devices’ security more seriously.
The better prepared you are for a cyber-attack, the lower the damages will be when it happens, – because it will!
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