There is no denying that the internet has made lives easier for everyone. However, one should be aware of the dangers involved when going online. There are some malicious people on the web who have got really bad intentions. And if you let your guard down, they will harm you! How? Well, hacking is one of the most popular ways that cybercriminals use to infiltrate the system of their victims. They do so to steal the valuable data that you may have stored on the device.
Many internet service providers know how users may be exposed to threats online. This is why most of them offer a free antivirus suite if you subscribe to their service. If you are subscribing, get more information regarding it by dialing your Spectrum customer service 866 number. No harm in being extra cautious.
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7 Tips to Prevent Hacking Attacks
Cybercriminals always look for vulnerabilities whenever they want to attack their victims. All you have to do is to make sure not to leave any weak spots for them to exploit. There are a few ways that you can use to prevent hacking attacks. Let’s take a look at some of them.
#1. Go for Two-Factor Authentication
If you want to make your account extra secure, then do consider going for two-factor authentication. It will save you from getting hacked no matter how many brute force attacks they launch. So, why does two-factor authentication make it so difficult for hackers to infiltrate the system? Well, it’s simply because they will need two sets of credentials. And the second one will be an OTP code which will be sent to you either on your email address or on your smartphone as a text message.
If a hacker has cracked your password, they will still need to get the OTP code in order to access your account. This will stop them in their paths. Therefore, it is recommended to always go with two-factor authentication.
#2. Check Your Login History
While using your account, if you get this feeling that it has been tampered by someone, then don’t ignore it. Instead, you should review your account right away to look for suspicious activity. One way you can do that is to see the total number of sessions that were opened on the platform. For instance, Google will let you see all the details about your latest logins. It will also tell you about which devices were used to gain access to the platform and will even give you the details regarding their geographic location. If you spot some strange activity, then it is best that you change the password immediately. And then implement two-factor authentication.
#3. Keep Your Systems Updated
If you want to make sure that the security of your system is always top-notch, then make sure that your hardware and software are properly maintained. You will have to see the current condition of your system and then see if it needs any updates. Also, you will be installing security updates and applying patches. If you do so, then you will be eliminating all the vulnerabilities, preventing hackers from exploiting them. By keeping everything up to date, you will be improving the overall security of the system. And this is what you should always aim for.
#4. Install Antivirus
You may have heard this countless times about how antivirus programs are useful when it comes to detecting harmful viruses on your system. Well, it’s true! It really does that. So, if you don’t already have an antivirus installed, then you are putting yourself and your system at great risk. When you are opting for an antivirus solution, make sure that you get it from a reputable company that is widely known for providing great products.
#5. Get Browser Extensions to Block Harmful Sites & Downloads
Your favorite browser can also play a part in saving you from malicious attacks. How? One word, extensions! There are a number of extensions that you can download that will prevent you from visiting phishing or malicious sites. Also, they will block all harmful downloads, making sure not to get your system infected with viruses.
#6. Encrypt Your Hard Drive
If you don’t want a hacker to have access to your important data, then the best thing you can do is to encrypt your hard drive. But how can you do that? Well, there’s a solution called BitLocker. It is available for Windows 10. Once you have it installed, you can simply enable it, and your hard drive will become encrypted. This means that no matter how hard someone tries to get the data, they won’t be successful in doing so.
#7. Beware of Phishing Emails
Another way cybercriminals trick you into becoming their victims is that they send phishing emails. They will spread malware through emails. The email will usually contain a link to the website. And as soon as you visit the site, your system can easily be compromised. There are a few things that you should look for to identify a phishing email. They are as follows:
- Sender’s email address
- Grammatical errors and punctuation
- If the email provokes an emotional response from you
Conclusion
The internet is one of the greatest inventions ever. And though it has made lives hassle-free, one shouldn’t ignore the presence of cybercriminals who are always eyeing their prey like vultures, waiting for them to make just one mistake so they may pounce on them. However, you can remain safe from their attacks as long as you take precautionary measures such as the ones mentioned enough. Surf safely everyone!