Our lives are plastered all over the Internet in the age of technology and social media. Add to it our e-commerce infatuation, love for discounts and sales, and it all translates into the potential for hacking. You must protect your online information as there is always a threat of hacking. Businesses are more vulnerable as hackers accumulate profits of millions of dollars from stealing crucial information.
The government has taken steps to control cyber crimes but we also need to act responsibly. Measures like changing online behaviors, keeping our programs and software updated, etc. we can thwart all types of hacks.
What should you do then?
If you are wondering what are some of the strategies used to combat hackers then read on. In this article, we have discussed how to stop hackers from stealing your online information.
What is the best defense against hackers?
You must understand that most people get hacked because of their unruly online behavior and practices. By following some online strategies you can steer clear of the pesky hackers easily.
- Using VPN:
VPN is one of the most effective ways to protect your data against online marauders. VPN masks your identity and provides you with a secure environment.
VPN Google Chrome extensions make it easy to use any time you need it. Free VPN for Chrome browser can become your go-to platform whenever you want to browse the Internet, also it is available for all devices, OS, and browsers. With VeePN ultrasurf security:
– employees can easily communicate within the organization. VPN will encrypt your data and make it indecipherable to third parties.
– you can do online shopping, and transfer money when you are traveling.
– you can secure your sensitive data and make it available only to the concerned party.
- Check before clicking odd links:
Always be cautious when you receive links that seem odd in any way. These suspicious links are sent by hackers and by clicking on them you can become a victim of a cyber security breach.
Make sure you are clicking on a safe link. Malicious websites steal your data as soon as you click on their link.
- Activate two-factor authentication:
Another safe practice is activating two-factor authentication. It usually includes using your phone number as well along with a strong password.
- HTTPS Links are Safe:
The S, in the end, shows the website uses a secure certificate. HTTPS links are safe to open. These are seldom suspected or used by hackers.
HTTPS encrypts and decrypts the information passed between the two or more machines and ensures higher security. Do not open any link which doesn’t have HTTPS before its domain name.
- Use an Antivirus:
Antivirus does a good job of keeping your computer and data secured. Ensure the antivirus is updated and turned on, especially when sharing confidential information.
Educate your employees in this regard also, to keep the communication and files securely within the organization.
- Keep Applications Updated:
Do not use old versions of applications. They have security holes that their updates patch all the time. Turn on auto-update options on your mobile and other electronic devices.
This practice can save you from a lot of trouble.
- Use Strong and Long Password:
Long passwords are extremely painful to remember but, johndoe or admin are easy peasy to break in. So it’s better to set up a strong password than to regret it later.
Write the password somewhere safe. Don’t share it with anyone. No bank application, e-commerce website, or Google form asks for your password. That person or website is a scam that asks for your password.
- Activate Firewall:
A firewall will control the flow of information to and from your computer and keep it clean from any viruses or hacking threats. It is essential for your system as it is a strong reliable barrier between your data and the hackers.
- Ignore Spam emails:
Do not respond to spam emails. Avoid them like plague. Do not click on any link however many discounts it is giving or promising millions of dollars. It is fake and a scam. I cannot emphasize this enough.
- Backup Your Data:
Always keep a backup of your data. Empower yourself by being proactive. Having a backup will not only help you retrieve important information but also you will be able to ignore the threats of the hackers.
Store your data on cloud servers and external drives so that you don’t become a victim of ransomware. This kind of hacking locks you out of your data.
What are the common targets for hackers?
Unfortunately small and large businesses are usually the target of hackers. Their lack of resources makes them vulnerable to cyber threats. As a result, they often become victims of hacking and often go out of business due to this cruelty.
Conclusion:
With the growing usage of the Internet, cyber education is highly crucial. And using the experts to secure your data. These are effective ways to secure yourself from online thieves and protect your businesses against cyber crimes.