Cybersecurity has become relatively important today, and rightfully so since cyberattacks are at an all-time high.
However, before you move forward with the idea of how to learn to hack, try using the simple tips that have been mentioned below to safeguard your data and personal info from getting into the hands of hackers with malicious intentions.
Browser Extensions to Prevent Harmful Downloads
If you explore enough, there are plenty of free browser extensions that block malicious and phishing sites. To use them, you will need to install such extensions on your web browser to make sure that the attackers cannot target your data and information.
Anti-Malware Programs
This one goes without saying, but some people could still use this reminder to install premium anti-malware and antivirus programs. This type of security software keeps the device safe from cyberattacks by regularly scanning and removing dangerous malware. These can also alert you whenever you visit spam or suspicious site or in case you download a corrupted file from the internet.
Make sure you choose an antivirus from a reputable company. Try to steer clear of scareware such as random emails or popups. In simpler terms, it is rough antivirus software that can come off as a virus itself or work as spyware to monitor similar actions. Make sure never to click on these links or ads.
File Encryption
While sharing any sort of important file, or when storing the same on your device, or a cloud platform, encryption is key. For the general audience, encryption means using mathematical algorithms so to lock the data with a cryptographic key.
This further scrambles the plaintext data while making it in a way to protect it from all the other unintended parties without the use of an authentication key.
If someone wants to have access to those files, they won’t be able to read or open them. After you encrypt the file, move forward by setting a password to ensure that anyone with a password will only be able to have access to the file. Every time this type of file is sent to anyone, offer the recipient a password, be it via email, phone, or any other type of communication channel.
Bitlocker for Windows Encryption
Use this feature to encrypt the hard drive. If for some reason, your windows computer is stolen or if you sell it without wiping the memory, it won’t be possible for anyone to get the data out of your encrypted hard drive. The same encryption option is there for the USB facility as well.
PC Sanitization (Manual Version)
There are different types of malware that a firewall cannot detect with ease. This is why users need to keep tabs on devices manually so to minimize the risks of cyberattacks.
- Regularly scan your C drive, especially folders such as C:/Program File, C:/Program Files (x86), and all the TEMP files along with the download folder. On the rare chance that you might find any usual items that you may have not downloaded, try to browse the internet to know more about them. Remove the files instantly if you feel that they are of no use in case they are malicious.
- Some of the malware programs are rather difficult to deal with, which is why you won’t be able to delete them on your own using the regular deleting steps. The good part here is that some file shredder and uninstaller programs can help in dealing with such programs. The majority of these programs are highly efficient as they dig deep into your device to delete all traces of the files, even caches, and shortcuts.
Say No to Third-party Platforms
Keep one thing in mind, never link accounts. Whenever you are looking to sign into a new platform, chances are that you might see the options of logging in via Facebook, LinkedIn, Gmail, etc.
Try to avoid such options and use your email address or mobile number instead for safekeeping. Using existing accounts to log into a platform makes it easy for the application or the website to access all of the information on the platform used for login. This type of data sharing can be dangerous especially if the platform/application owner comes with malicious intentions or is susceptible to cyberattacks.
Data can be stolen to hack or even sell to the highest bidders. There have been instances where even the most renowned platforms have used user data to come up with targeted advertising.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
The concept of 2FA isn’t anything out of the ordinary and adds an extra layer of security along with the conventional password method. A unique one-time password aka an OTP, magic link, or as some people call it, a secret code is sent to the user’s email address or mobile number every time you want to log in or make a transaction.
Enable 2FA anywhere you get the option to do the same. Enabling it for eCommerce sites, financial platforms, and cloud storage platforms is a must for two-factor authentication.
Avoid HTTP Sharing
As soon as you visit a website on the internet, check the address bar. If you see the option, “not secure” or any type of exclamation mark in a triangle or a round shape, that implies that the website is running on HTTP, meaning trouble.
HTTP protocols are insecure for use and any data transmission between the server of the browser and the website server remains unprotected and unencrypted, making it relatively easy for hackers to steal your data and information.
In Conclusion
How to learn hacking might have become a simpler concept today but the idea of preventing hacking attempts is still a bit difficult for many people. The tips mentioned can come in handy against cyberattacks not just for the user but for others as well.
