ESET: The modern technology user knows that they must take daily measures to keep their data and devices protected from malicious actions. Especially during the holiday season, when users are more carefree, cybercriminals are lurking.
From the position of a cybersecurity expert, ESET suggests to every user, from the most novice to the most experienced, 10 steps to repel attacks, making the work of cybercriminals truly difficult.
1. Keep your operating system, applications, and security solution up to date . Updates often include fixes for security flaws that have been found, so an attacker won't be able to exploit every known vulnerability in your system.
2. Use security solutions on computers, smartphones and tablets. At the same time, avoid using “pirated” software – besides being illegal, it is unlikely to provide proper protection. Firewalls and antivirus will protect you from Trojans and other types of malware, as well as from various detection technologies, which lead to information leakage or theft.
3. Make backups – an external hard drive is a good solution – and store them in a safe place. Make sure you don’t have your backup connected all the time, because if your computer gets infected with any kind of ransomware, your files, even if they’re stored in the cloud, could be affected. You can find useful information on creating backups in the relevant guide.
4. Report phishing emails and websites you encounter from any browser you use. You should also report the same to your antivirus vendor if they don't already recognize the site as a malicious portal. This way, you help protect all users by alerting them to the dangers you've encountered.
5. Make sure you have strong passwords, change them regularly, and don't use the same password for multiple accounts: this is the three-pronged approach that will keep your digital identity safe.
6. Enable two-factor authentication, which significantly increases security levels. If a cybercriminal manages to steal your password, they won't be able to cause any significant damage, since they'll have to enter yet another random code generated by this additional layer of security.
7. Consider privacy on your social networks, checking whether you are sharing too much sensitive information, who you are allowing access to, and what rights you have granted regarding your personal information.
8. By regularly checking the status of bank accounts , you can detect any irregularities or strange transactions, such as your card being cloned or you having fallen victim to banking malware.
9. Make sure you haven't subscribed to premium SMS services. Remember that hoaxes, as happened with a recent case on WhatsApp that counted more than 10 million victims, have the potential to deceive users, pushing them to subscribe to SMS receiving services, for which they are of course charged.
10. Try to stay informed about security developments. If you know how hoaxes work, you can better protect yourself, and by discussing this with other users, you help them stay protected too.
