Backup your data on a regular basis (at least weekly, recommended daily) with a reputable online cloud storage company. If you fall victim to ransomware, your system can be brought back to the last successful backup. Ensure that you are backing up all drives which include external or USB drives. Ensure that all patches on your operating system, web browser, and anti-virus are up to date.
Do not visit any sites that you do not recognize. Do not open any file attachments or click on any links from email addresses that you do not know.
A piece of software that locks out your computer until you pay a small ransom to have it unlocked.
Read the email carefully. If the email requires an action, such as clicking on a link or opening an attachment (this can even be an “invoice for services), then verify the email’s sender. Start by calling the company and asking if they sent the email. If it is a company you have not done business with before, chances are very high that the email is malicious. The best option is to delete the email completely.
Use your spam filter to ignore emails from every sender except the ones you specifically program into your “white list”. Use two email addresses. Use one email address for any online surveys or promotions. Do not click on any links or attachments in emails that go to this mailbox. If you see an advertisement or promotion that you wish to explore further, go directly to that website or call the company to confirm the legitimacy of it. Phishing emails typically come from email lists purchased from promotion or survey companies. The other email address should be used for personal use that you can give to your friends, family, or business associates. Do not share this one with online vendors. This will also cut down on the amount of spam you receive.
An email that is sent with a link or attachment that will infect your computer with malware. The link could also redirect you to a site that seems legitimate, but it is just a trap to capture your information.
Use a password generator to create your passwords. Change them at least twice a year. If you have trouble remembering all the passwords, use a high rated password managing software. Click here for a list of top rated password managers.
This simple practice of strong passwords will greatly reduce the likelihood that you will become a victim through a cyber hacking technique called “password guessing”.
Many people use the same password, or some variation of the same password for all their cyber needs. If this password is common, such as P@ssw0rd!; the user’s entire cyber footprint is at risk.
Educate yourself on what social engineering is. Common techniques include when a person calls or emails you asking to participate in an audit or survey. If you are speaking with someone, be careful about the information you are sharing. Details such as birthdate, home address, driver’s license number, social security number or mother’s maiden name are all pieces of information that should only be given to a legitimate company for professional reasons.
If you receive a phone call from a company that seems suspicious, ask for a name and phone number to call the person back. Research the phone number on the internet. Do not be intimated by any person that calls demanding information. Research more social engineering tips on www.social-engineer.org.
A method used to trick a victim into giving up personal or secret information. For example, if someone from a bank calls, and asks for banking information to verify fraudulent activity. Banks will never call and ask for banking information such as account numbers. Each bank has a secure way of communicating with members when fraudulent charges are suspected.
Lock your phone with a strong password or, if available, a fingerprint. Install a remote wiping program to clear your phone in the event it is lost or stolen. Back up your data to the cloud. Only download trustworthy applications from the app store, and look at the access you are granting the application. If you are downloading the new version of “Games On Cell’s” and the install asks for access to your contacts, text messages, and emails; chances are the application may be a way to get your personal information.
Limit the number of apps you download, and research the reputation of the ones you decide to get. Make sure your phone locks automatically after two minutes of inactivity. Do not use the same password for your computer or online needs. Change the password every 90 days. Never share your password with anyone.
It is estimated that 43% of smartphones do not have passwords. This allows anyone to access and exploit personal private data. Exploits can even be hidden in legitimate applications downloaded to the smartphone.
When possible, use the near-field communication (NFC) option on your phone that will allow you to use the credit card without bringing it out of your purse or wallet. Ensure your cards are kept in an emission free holder that protects radio emissions from scanning the RFID chip on the card. This reduces the ability for a criminal to skim the data.
Monitor all your chip credit cards carefully. Use them online when possible and only with reputable secure companies.
Cards that contain the new smart chips are vulnerable to “Card-not-present” fraud that is exploited online. This type of fraud has been seen in other countries that use this technology.
Ensure your software firewall is on and up to date. Complete a virus scan daily, and ensure that the anti-virus software has the latest updates.
Avoid file sharing sites, and installing untrusted software.
Certain sophisticated malware and virus software have shown they have the ability to install a backdoor onto a computer without alerting the antivirus software. This will allow a hacker to gain remote access to a computer and extract any data that is valuable.
Change the privacy settings to only allow friends to see your postings. Only accept friend requests from people you have met in person. Never share exact travel plans, or personal details that could be used maliciously. Stay vigilant.
Social media can be a great way to interact with a lot of people. Any information that you post is likely going to be on the Internet and searchable for a long time. Take time and read over old posts to ensure there is nothing potentially embarrassing or dangerous in your posts. Keep good privacy settings on all your social media. Disable the location data on pictures.
Cyber criminals have been using social media to track their victim’s movements in order to exploit their vulnerabilities. If for example, you tweet that you are heading to Florida with the whole family, then the criminal following you knows that your home is empty.
Encrypt and password protect your important data. Verify the modified data on files match up with the last time you changed files.
Backup your data to the cloud and when in doubt, restore your files from the backup.
Data can be changed easily by the user of the data. The number of incidents of outside users manipulating and changing data is on the rise.
Install a reputable anti-virus security program that includes anti-spyware capabilities, and set it to update automatically. If the file sharing program asks permission to change or disable firewall settings, do not install the software.
Try to avoid file sharing programs. Use Dropbox or another reputable cloud based storage company.
Software that allows you to access video or music content across the globe can create a huge opportunity for a hacker to gain access to more than just your “piano playing cat” videos.
