8 Ways to Prevent Hacking of Personal Data | Total Security
Free and affordable Wi-Fi is always a nice bonus for visiting public places. In today's world, almost every cafe, airport, restaurant, bar or club offers the opportunity to use free Internet access using a smartphone or laptop. Sounds appealing, doesn't it? In fact, with this connection, the files and information stored on your device become available; unless you have read our tips and taken precautions in advance.
The first thing that comes to mind when choosing a method of protection is the installation of special applications or antivirus. But, according to practice, this is not enough to protect data. You need to learn to distinguish between malware and extortionist programs. In addition, you need to improve passwords, make them more secure and much more. It is very important to take care of the security of the data stored on the smartphone and in social networks in particular.
How can personal data be protected?
1. Safe use of public Wi-Fi
Every day, a huge number of people check their bank accounts or make purchases online using public Wi-Fi. Posting something personal to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram in this way is very dangerous. Such actions should only be performed when using a secure connection. It is important to connect only to HTTPS (where "S" - SECURE) and in no case to HTTP. At the same time, you need to pay attention to the "lock" at the beginning of the link line, it indicates a secure connection.
2. Using a VPN outside the home
VPN is the most reliable thing you can use when connecting to Wi-Fi in public places. But in this case, an important role is played by which VPN is used when connecting to the network.
3. Password protection
They must be as reliable as possible. The password must be at least 8 characters long, including uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It seems difficult to come up with such a password and especially to remember it. We have a few suggestions: think about your favorite movie or book and take the first two letters of each word, add your favorite number and period - it will be a great password. Of course, you can add something else or change the characters, while trying to make the password long and memorable. You can also use the LastPass password manager. It is not recommended to use the same password for different accounts and programs.
4. Multifactor authentication
Most websites and social networks have the ability to log in using multifactor authentication. The strength of authentication systems is mainly assessed by the number of layers or levels. It is believed that systems that use multifactor authentication are stronger than those that use only one factor. How does it work? For example, to access your Instagram account, you must not only enter a password but also get a PIN code on your phone number. Thus, if someone wants to log in to the account, the system will ask you to enter data to which he definitely does not have access.
Multi-factor authentication provides additional security by adding a new level of protection, such as SMS, PIN codes, phone calls, e-mail, etc. The more layers - the higher the level of security. Instructions for connecting multifactor authentication can be found in the settings for access to the social network.
5. Ignore suspicious emails and messages
Do not open suspicious links in emails or messages. It's best to delete spam or messages that look weird without opening them. When you receive an unusual message from a friend or relative, it is best to contact them and ask if they have sent anything before following the link.
6. Avoiding the dissemination of personal information
Be very careful with everything you post online. First of all, with data such as credit card number and password information. You can use virustotal.com to check websites and files. Also, turn off geolocation on photos you post on social media.
7. Use of antivirus and anti-malware services
We recommend that you install total security antivirus software and a firewall. It is important not to forget to update them when necessary. You can find many different products on the Internet, but it is important to remember the risks. It is not recommended to download the software from suspicious websites, and trust only the official ones. Antivirus will help identify threats and protect the device.
8. Disable features and applications that are rarely used
When connecting your phone or computer to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, it's important to remember to turn off these features when not in use. These steps can help prevent hackers from accessing your devices.
How to determine what broke you and what to do next?
These things are usually indicators of hacking:
- Notification of the extortion program
- Fake antivirus message
- Strange browser toolbars
- Internet search redirection
- Random pop-ups
- Invitations on social networks on your behalf, which you definitely did not send
- Internet password does not work
- Unexpected software installation
- The mouse moves by itself
- There is no money in the online account
- Hacking messages
- Leakage of confidential data
- Strange models of network traffic
- Lack of access to your social network account, even if the password is correct

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