There are many subtle dangers on the web, so it is easy to let your guard down and allow a cyber criminal in. Recent attacks have exposed people's personal information, including millions of valid usernames and passwords, prompting companies and individual users to take online security more seriously. Here are some tips on how to safeguard your online accounts.
1. Change your passwords regularly.
Some platforms require people to change their passwords every six months or so, when they have expired, or anytime they are compromised. Unfortunately, most websites don't prompt users to pick new passwords, and this makes it much easier for hackers to log into their accounts.
By making use of brute-force attacks, hackers can try millions of passwords per day, one at a time, until they discover the right user/pass combination. Cyber criminals used locally installed software in the past, but now many of them run those nefarious applications using cloud-based computer farms, which can crack complex passwords within days.
2. Use strong passwords.
The most popular online password is "123456," followed by "qwerty," "123456789", and "password." As you can guess, all hackers are aware of this, and they'll try these passwords (and a few more) anytime they attack a new computer. Therefore, make sure to use strong passwords, which include random capital letters, numbers and symbols. Avoid using words and numbers that can be easily guessed: your name, your pet's name, your birthday, etc. Many password managers include the option to generate secure passwords for you, so my recommendation is to install and use one of these applications.
3. Implement two-factor authentication (2FA).
Some of the most popular web platforms, including Google's services, Facebook, and Instagram, offer a way to log into your accounts using the username/password combination and a secret code that is sent to your phone via a text message.
Be cautious, though, because these SMS-based codes can be intercepted as well. To increase security, it is better to use a 2FA app or service that's installed on a different device. In other words, don't allow a 2FA app that lives on your phone to generate log-in codes for the platforms you're accessing using the same phone. There is a simple explanation for this: if a hacker manages to install an advanced piece of malware on your smartphone, all its activity -- including SMS codes, etc. -- will be tracked.
4. Don't reuse passwords.
Create and use different passwords for each account; this will make it much harder for cyber criminals to gain access. Additionally, if your password is exposed when a particular platform gets breached, the other accounts won't be in danger. If you've used a single password for all your accounts until now, make sure to change it, no matter how strong you think it is.
5. Avoid storing personal information on your devices.
Storing credit card numbers and other personal information on your devices isn't recommended. Hackers may be able to plant a piece of malware on your computer, for example, and then get access to all the files inside your PC. More than this, if burglars were to break into your house and steal your laptop, they could have access to your bank account, emails, social media accounts, and all the information you've stored in various applications.
But how can you keep your personal information private? Well, get a nice-looking notepad, and then use the good old pen and paper combo. This way, you will keep the data secure -- if you hide that notepad in a safe place, of course.