I remember when I was young, an aunt of mine asked me "What are these "hackers" these young people always talk about and what danger do they pose with me just browsing the internet?". I couldn't really give her an answer where she would be satisfied. From my understand now though, Hackers are individuals or groups with advanced computer skills who manipulate and exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems or networks for various purposes. These purposes could mostly involve something malicious or illegal. Some activities they are mostly known for are acts like stealing sensitive data to often connected to finances or personal info, spreading malicious software (malware) that would affect your personal computer, commit cyberattacks on certain individuals or organizations, or disrupting online services that they don't want to stay operational.
Their actions can have widespread consequences, causing financial losses, privacy breaches, and damage to online infrastructure, making cybersecurity a constant challenge in the digital age.
Their activities often result in negative effects, including financial losses, breaches of privacy, and harm to digital infrastructure. They are one of the sole reasons why cybersecurity is one of the pillars within the digital industry.
Even with casually browsing the internet you are still vulnerable to hackers through various Modus Operandi created and developed by hackers and scammers all throughout the world. From phishing attacks, malware downloads, weak passwords to even a simple unsecured Wi-Fi connections, outdated software, there would always be risks can compromise your data, privacy, and online security. These potential threats emphasizes the importance of staying vigilant and implementing cybersecurity practices
So what are such practices you may ask? Well there are multiple ways to secure yourself in the digital landscape. Lets start with something basic such as Accounts and Passwords.
Passwords are essentially the gatekeepers of your accounts within the digital landscape, serving as the first line of defense. It's crucial to create strong, memorable passwords for each account, combining a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters into something only you can remember. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or common phrases. Avoid saving your passwords into txt files and avoid using the same passwords for multiple accounts.
The reason for this is that hackers use password crackers can usually brute-force shoddily made passwords easily. Making your password a bit more complex adds a layer of difficulty for would be hackers breaking into your account. Changing passwords at least a couple times a year is a could habit to avoid potential breaches into your account. Another layer of protection you can add to your account is in the form of security questions, a good way to go by these security questions is to never use real answers, only use answers that would be memorable to you. Using a variety of two-step verification would also make your account more secured since another personal device (mostly your phone) would be required to access the account. And... voila!, your account is now locked tight like a bank vault.
Since we're still on the topic of accounts, it's a good habit to Logout your account every after use, especially when it's a public computer. Do not put crucial information about yourself or others on public accessed spaces, since hackers use every bit of easy accessible information to steal data and scam.
Onto the next practice, let's talk about Emails and Spam. Everybody has an E-Mail these days, since it is used in almost all professional spaces to communicate and coordinate. But within these messages, important data might be intercepted by hackers. A good practice is to not use easily identifiable and trackable email name that includes any form of actual identification. Especially when you plan to use this email on a potentially shady space. This would help keep your anonymity online and limit hacker's access to personal information. Sometimes, people might get E-mails where they would be asked by the sender for specific details, but disguising as a legit organization or individual. It's good to actually verify the senders account names to official websites before you send any crucial data back.
Lastly let's talk about about your Wi-fi. Wi-fi networks, especially ones at home, could become gateways where hackers can actually steal data and disrupt your activities. it's crucial to make sure that your Wi-fi is always protected with a password. A use of VPN could also help hide your personal identity within the online landscape. Also, when in public, avoid connecting to shady open networks that offers free access to the internet. These are often stings that hackers use to gain some sort of connection to your device.
There also a lot of other basic small things that I have not mentioned yet. Like installing a decent anti virus to add a layer of protection to your computer and your network. Only log in into accounts from your own devices, and if the site is using a secure way of connection (HTTPS) in their domain name at the address bar.
Stay safe online!
Posted using Honouree