To avoid falling victim to cyber threats.
Russian criminals have stolen over 1.2 billion usernames and passwords, and it's possible they've stolen yours too. The company Hold Security, which discovered the theft, says the gang's goal isn't to steal your banking information, but to send you spam emails about fake products.
This is not a reason for complacency, however. Here are some ways to protect yourself from cybercrime.
Choose smart passwords and change them frequently.
Change passwords for important services, such as email, banking, and social media. In general, create different passwords for different services, and change them about every six months.
Some experts recommend using a password manager – a service that you sign up for and then provides you with passwords for all your accounts. But this leaves you vulnerable to hacking of the manager's own website.
Another solution is to use long sentences or phrases. The more characters in your password, the harder it is for a computer to crack it.
Be careful what you store online
Never send important numbers, because they will remain in your records. Delete old messages that contain your bank details and credit card numbers. And never, ever keep a file containing all your passwords in one place.
Use protection
While they're not invincible, there are plenty of tools available to improve your digital security. Download antivirus software. Update your software regularly. And if you can, use two-factor authentication, a system that requires you to enter not only your regular password but also an extra code that's texted to your phone.
Don't be stupid
Finally, use your common sense and apply the basics: Don't download files from sources you don't know. Check where a link takes you before you click it. And don't respond to misspelled emails that promise you access to Viagra or secret bank accounts in Nigeria.
Source: fortunegreece.com
