My uncle just got caught in an internet scam that left him with a P200,000 debt on his credit card. All he did was click on some Facebook ad about free documentaries and then suddenly he receives a text from his credit card company saying that an irregular transaction has been made. Hackers and scammers are thriving in the age of digital information—perhaps now more than ever since most transactions are made online.
Call it paranoid, but after seeing what happened to my uncle I immediately applied all the hack-proof methods I knew on my devices and it’s probably best that you do the same. Better safe than sorry.
Update your systems
Yes, we know how many times you’ve clicked that “Update later” button, but finally choosing to update your device’s system will only benefit you in the long run. System updates are ultimately upgrades that will boost the computer’s security and privacy measures. Hacks are more successful when a computer is outdated as hackers may have already figured out how to get past its security systems.
Don’t download unverified applications
Usually, these applications already come with a warning once you attempt to download them. A notification saying the chosen application may have malware as it comes from a third-party source (usually piracy websites) may pop up. This can immediately install a virus on your device, making it more susceptible to hacking. For Android phones, it’s best to do some research before downloading an application as they have less stringent downloading processes than Apple.
Use antivirus software
Not a lot of people bother going through the long process of setting up antivirus software, but with all the malicious and damaging content that can be downloaded and installed in your computer, antivirus software is just what’s needed to prevent it. Just make sure these are trusted software like Avast, AVG or Kaspersky.
Get tricky with your passwords
A simple password is an opportunity no hacker would pass up, so it’s best to make sure that your password is complex. A tip is to make it as random as possible by including and mixing up uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols. Change them frequently as well, at least once a month.
Think twice when using open WiFi
WiFi connections that don’t require a password are open access networks that make it easier for hackers to infiltrate your system. As much as possible, use your own WiFi connection or mobile data. You can also download a VPN that enables a secure, encrypted connection between your devices and the internet.
Log out
We’re all used to just shutting down our laptops without bothering to log out of our social media accounts. But once in a while, especially when you won’t be using the application for some time, log out of these accounts so that your information isn’t out in the open for hackers to take advantage of.
Don’t fall for phishing mails
The best way to combat this is to be knowledgeable about the services that these scam messages may be offering to you. Note if there are any discrepancies and lack of evidence in what they are trying to offer. If you can’t find information on them, it may simply be a scam to get your information. They will usually ask you to make an account first before showing any actual products or services. Usually, these emails fall into the spam folder of your emails, but a few may even reach your social media accounts. Be sure to block these websites from your browser once you identify them as fraudulent.
Header photo by Tyler Franta on Unsplash
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