Online security threats can endanger your computer leading to loss of funds, privacy and destruction or loss of important files. This could happen by Contacting Virus, Account Hacking (e.g Email/Bank Accounts), etc. We care about your safety online so we are offering you useful tips in this tutorial to protect yourself from cyber-attacks.
The following tips will help you avoid Been a Victim of Online Cyber Threats.
- Download and Install Anti Virus to your Computer.
- Make sure your Antivirus program is up to date.
- Keep your computers operating system up to date.
- If you use applications that interact with your web browser (like Adobe Reader, Flash or Java) – Keep them up to date.
- Don’t open attachments from people you don’t know.
- Regularly scan your computer using Anti-Malware software and Anti-Virus
- Keep your internet browser up to date. Note: This is one of the easiest ways for an attacker to enter your computer.
- Don’t click on links from strangers, whether it be in your email on your Twitter/Facebook or on an untrusted website.
- Use an anti-key logger application and make sure it is always running (I use Key Scrambler)
- Use unique passwords – Don’t use the same password on multiple sites
- Create difficult to guess passwords. Try to meet the following conditions when setting your passwords:
- Longer than 8 characters
- Use at least 1 upper-case letter
- Use at least 1 lower-case letter
- Use at least 1 number
- Use at least 1 symbol
- Example password – “Gu3ss_Th1s!”
- Do not write down or email your passwords to anyone (Including yourself Check links before you click on them. Do this by hovering your mouse over the top of the link and making sure it is going to where it says it’s going to. Here is an example of a dodgy link – Facebook.com (It says Facebook, but actually goes to Yahoo)
- Use two factor authentication wherever possible, whether it be using a token (like RSA SecurID Tokens) or by having an SMS sent to your mobile phone that contains a code which allows you to enter your account.
- Research websites prior to providing payment details, not all online stores are legitimate. Note: An easy way to do this is to enter the shop URL into google and type “reviews” on the end of your search criteria. See what other users experiences have been like before using the site.
- Ensure websites that ask you to enter a password or credit card details have “https” in the URL bar and that the certificate is verified. To check this the URL should start with “https://” then simply click on the padlock in your browser
- Avoid accessing banking and email facilities when using an open Wi-Fi connection like those provided at airports and fast food chains
- When using wireless at home, be sure to use at least WPA2 encryption. It isn’t impossible to hack, but it takes a long time and is often not worth the hackers effort to break in
- If you see a website telling you that you have a virus, don’t click on the link. 9 times out of 10 this is a trick to get you to install a fake anti virus program.
- If something sounds too good to be true like – “I’m going to give you a million dollars, send me your bank details” it probably is, don’t believe it! No one is going to be nice enough to give you a million dollars. People still fall for these types of scams. Don’t be the next victim
- Use multiple email accounts for different purposes. E.G. Important things like banking has one email account, funny email forwards and social media accounts have another email account. Never send emails from one account to the other and use different passwords on both!
- Don’t assume you are safe just because you use a Mac or Linux Operating System. Although the chances of you being exploited are statistically reduced, you can definitely still be infected and Apple is notoriously slow at patching their product.
- Disable unused add-ons in your web browser by default. This includes high profile things like Java Applets, Java Scripts, Active X and Flash/Shockwave. Enable them only when you need them. If you are not sure how to do this simply google – “Disable Flash in Firefox”. Obviously you will have to insert the correct browser name and application into your search
- Regularly monitor your online banking accounts and credit card statements. If you see anything unusual contact your financial institution immediately.
- Use your judgment. If a site looks dodgy, stay away from it.
