It is natural to consider words like cybersecurity, malware, and hacking to be mere palabras de moda (buzzwords). However, these are a bitter reality for those who have been victimized by them.
Do you know where most of these attacks emerge from? The Internet. With all its ease and innovation, the Internet also has some seriously dark desventajas (disadvantages).
Incidents like the Snowflake Compromise show the importance of being careful on the internet. Hackers were able to steal unencrypted sensitive customer data by getting login credentials to accounts that did not have Multi-Factor Authentication switched on.
Even if this was an incident that targeted an organization, that does not mean that individuals are safe from cyber threats. Just in 2022, roughly 54 million people were targeted by cybercrime in the US.
So, it becomes importante (crucial) to take precautions to keep yourself safe from all the cybersecurity threats online.
Let us discuss ways in which you can keep yourself and your personal data secure while using the Internet.
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Come Up With Strong Contraseñas (Passwords)
Do you know the most commonly used password is ‘123456’ and it takes hackers less than a second to crack it?
Using a strong password is one of the most important rules of being present on the internet. This means not using predictable passwords like your pet’s name, your birthday, or your kid’s name. Hackers have very sophisticated software that can crack your contraseñas in under a minute, using clues based on you.
Therefore, it is important to use unpredictable passwords that are not related to you. Another tip is to use password managers. These generate the most random passwords, which they save for you in encrypted form. This saves you from having to memorize them. Lastly, it is also important to change your passwords every three months or so. The longer you have a password, the more chances of a hacker hacking it.
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Subscribe to a VPN
Most people consider VPNs (virtual private networks) to be shady and used for illegal activities online. However, this couldn’t be further from reality. VPNs, in fact, are a great tool for keeping you anonymous and safe from online threats. They esconder (hide) your location by masking your IP address with another one. This helps you use the internet in complete privacy.
Moreover, VPNs also make it hard for hackers to track your online activity and access your personal data. Another feature that makes VPNs very useful is that they encrypt all data that is sent or received to you. This stops hackers from illegally accessing it.
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Use Secure Internet Connections
Another thing that expose you to a possible cybercrime is using an unsafe internet connection. This includes public WiFi and connections are not secured by a password. These are the most common way for a hacker to strike.
Moreover, you should also take steps to ensure your own internet connection is secure. For that, you can opt for ISPs like Optimum that provide internet security as well. To learn more, you can talk to the Optimum servicio al cliente pago en español. Their 24/7 customer service can guide you about how you can subscribe to an internet plan that comes with internet security. This will prevent any hackers from accessing your private connection to steal your personal data.
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Be Vary of Links
Do you know most cybercrimes happen because people unknowingly click on malicious links? These links are often included in phishing emails, in which cybercriminals pretend to be someone the víctimas (victims) know. These links can lead you to websites that have viruses that discreetly get into your computer to steal your personal data like credit card information, photos, and even your address.
Furthermore, these links can also pop up outside of phishing emails, like social media messages, comments sections, etc. Therefore, the safest approach is not clicking on a link unless you are absolutely sure it was sent by someone you trust.
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Browse Safely
Whenever you are vary of criminals, you avoid going to places they are most likely to be. You should do the same online.
It is important to not visit shady websites with inappropriate content because people are most likely to let their guard down there. Such websites trick users into divulging their personal information or clicking on malicious links. This is why you should avoid such websites like the plague. Some browsers and internet connections mark such websites as ‘Not Secure’ and warn you letting you proceed.
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Turn on Multi Factor Authentication (MFA)
Remember how the Snowflake Compromise happened because of the accounts that lacked MFAs? This is why MFAs are so important.
They act as an additional layer of security, after your password and a secure internet connection. In case a hacker is able to bypass these two, MFAs ask for a second proof of identification, which can only be done by the actual person themselves. For instance, an MFA can be security question like name of the user’s first pet.
Use these tips to stay safe from cybercriminals and scams, which can cause your emotional or financial harm. It is also important to educate your familia on staying safe on the internet so that none of them fall victim to these.
