Hacking is a criminal act done by a person or group of people that unlawfully access your device such as phones, computers, or online accounts to get information or alter the process. People face this problem each day for two reasons; human and software flaws. However, you can avoid this issue by changing your habit.
The stakes are high for an average person due to improper protection of accounts. This flaw in protection regularly leads to stolen credit card details, private messages, and photographs. Some of this stolen data is used to blackmail or rip the owner’s money. It isn’t easy to know if your account is hacked, but you can ensure some steps to protect your devices.
Here are six ways to protect your devices from hackers.
Install Security Software Tools
Remember that your device is at risk when surfing the Internet. Any unprotected website can install malware like worms, viruses, and trojan horses on your phone without permission. However, there are multiple security software programs available for devices. Such software features ID verification API installed on phones or computers for antivirus and antimalware properties, shutting the door against hackers.
Security software is designed to warn and protect your device against malicious sites and apps. There are free and paid security software tools to scan and notify you before downloading. However, paid ones are usually better than free versions.
Keep All Software Updated
Software updates are made on almost every device connected online. These automatic updates are designed to increase the operating system by eliminating bugs. The updates keep the device running at optimal speed, which reduces security risk.
Ensure your device is on an automatic update to avoid bad actors. Hackers are burglars with the intention to get your data from your devices. However, new updates increase security protection passwords and multi-factor authentication, preventing unauthorized access.
Download Apps From the Official Store
People mistakenly or unknowingly download malicious apps using other means aside Apple App Store or Google Play Store. This incident happens on one in every 36 smartphones. The download is an opportunity for hackers to explore your device.
High-risk apps create access for hackers to penetrate your device for passwords or credit card details. In summary, ensure your apps are installed from the in-build play store. These stores are encrypted with security software to prevent hacking. Also, glance through reviews and descriptions to check for complaints about suspicious activities.
Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi or Use a VPN
Many public Wi-Fi systems are insecure, enabling hackers to spy on or steal data from devices. The hack is referred to as a man-in-the-middle (MitM) type of attack. Hence, stay away from motels, hotels, schools, sports, or restaurant Wi-Fi; instead, use cellular data or limit entering your personal information when connected to public Wi-Fi. In addition, don’t visit unprotected websites, especially when using confidential information.
However, you can install a virtual private network (VPN) if you insist on using Wi-Fi. VPNs are designed to enable private browsing through an encrypted channel. The software gives misleading information when a hacker intercepts your traffic. The data are encrypted, making it hard for them to read, modify or interpret the information. Install a VPN app from the many available on the market and switch it on when you’re using Wi-Fi.
Use a PIN
The pin is an important protection tool on your device. You can use fingerprint, number code, pattern, or Face ID to protect your phone from hackers. However, if you intend on going with the PIN, it should be unique and difficult to predict. Ensure your PIN is a set of multiple combinations and avoid using 1234, which many are guilty of using.
Encrypt Everything
Technology advances like encryption have made it easier to protect your connections. Encryption has become an effective way to protect our data which is used by many companies responsible for data collection and management. Encryption protects devices from hackers and surveillance.
For instance, Signal and WhatsApp use end-to-end message encryption. Both apps automatically encrypt every message, including media and directory. This type of protection enables private chats and uses less metadata. You can also enable the disappearing message option in both apps to avoid the availability of messages when hackers attack.
However, ensure you use a password you can remember when you want to access the device. iOS devices are automatically encrypted, but you’ll have to encrypt your laptop hard drive. For the Apple system, enable the File Vault to encrypt the device while on Windows, enable the encryption in the Settings or enable BitLocker encryption.
Takeaway
Hacking is a frustrating experience that can result in data loss or misuse. A hacker can misuse this information to damage your personal image by sharing sensitive information over the Internet. They can also use it to implicate you in crimes against the law. Hackers corrupt devices through malware and viruses when they infiltrate your devices. Hence, it’s critical to implement all necessary techniques to keep your devices protected against unauthorized access. Ensure you follow the tips mentioned above to safeguard your data.