Defeating 2024’s Top 9+1 Cybersecurity Challenges” (updated)

Is Your Computer Safe from Hackers?

Do you know? According to a report every 39 seconds, a cyberattack happens this is the biggest fear for us. In this advanced world, computer security is more important than ever. Our devices are needed for daily activities like banking, shopping, online payment, and communication, making them prime targets for hackers. Common techniques of scams include phishing attacks, ransomware, and malicious software, that can collect information from your device and misuse it.

To protect your data from online scammers you must adopt some safety measures here are the top 10 techniques that help you to protect your data.

Top 10 most important points that help you to protect your device or data from hackers:

1. USE STRONG, UNIQUE PASSWORDS–

A strong password is the primary defense against hacking attempts on your online accounts. A weak password can be guessed easily by anyone and it causes harm 

Here are some tips that will help you to make a strong password

• Length: The passwords should be at least 10-12 characters long, but longer is better.
• Complexity: Avoid using easily guessed sequences (e.g.,12345), birth date, and common words (e.g., “your name 1”). Use a mix of lowercase letters, uppercase letters, symbols, and numbers.
• Memorability: Choose something memorable to you but difficult for computers to guess. Passphrases or random combinations that make sense to you can be easier to recall while still being secure.
• Avoid Reuse: Use unique passwords for each account to prevent compromising multiple accounts if one password is compromised.
• Use Unpredictable Rules: Create passwords using unpredictable rules, such as substituting letters with numbers or symbols in a non-standard manner

2. TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (2FA)-

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a security process that enhances verification by requiring users to provide two different authentication factors before accessing an application or system, instead of just a username and password. This significantly boosts security by making it harder  I suggest you use this on those websites that have your important information like credit card, banking, social security, email, etc  

3. KEEP YOUR SOFTWARE UPDATED-

For many PC users, the last thing you want to do is deal with updates to your software and hardware. But it is a reality that many of us do not update our PCs for a long time. After all, we handle a lot of work in a day, but there is a function in our PCs that Automatic Updates on Windows 

4. INSTALL AND MAINTAIN ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE-

Antivirus is a type of software that detects all the activity on your computer network and monitors doubtful activities that cause harm to your computer like viruses, worms, or trojan horses

Here is some TOP antivirus software that you can install for your PC

• NORTON 360🥇
• BITDEFENDER TOTAL SECURITY🥈
• TotalAV🥉

5. USE A FIREWALL-

It is a security device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules established by an organization Essentially, it acts as a protective barrier between a private internal network and the public Internet.

TOP  FIREWALLS THAT HELP YOU –

•  Bitdefender BOX
• Cisco Firepower

6. BE CAUTIOUS WITH EMAILS AND LINKS-

Scammers use emails or text messages to trap people into giving way to give their passwords, account numbers, or Social Security numbers. If they succeed, they can access your email, bank accounts, or other important accounts, or they might sell your information to other scammers. These phishing attacks happen every day and often work. Scammers change their tactics to stay up-to-date, using different tricks in their emails or texts to fool people.

Phishing emails and text messages often try to trick you into clicking on a link or opening an attachment by telling a convincing story. 

7. Regularly Backup Your Data-

The backup of data is important for recovery. If in any situation your data is lost due to hardware issues software problems, data corruption, or human error like malicious attacks or accidental deletion you can easily recover your data through these backups. Regularly  backups of data minimize the risk of any data loss 

There are three primary types of backups  used to protect against data loss:

• Full Backup- In this method your data is copied to another location
• Incremental Backup: This method backs up only the files that have changed since the last backup, whether it was full or incremental.
• Differential Backup: This approach backs up all files that have changed since the last full

8. SECURE YOUR WI-FI NETWORK-

Your Wi-Fi network provides wireless internet access via a router. If it doesn’t have a password, anyone nearby can connect to it. And access your information and misuse it 

Here are some tips that you can use to secure home Wi-Fi:

• Enable firewall and Wi-Fi encryption.
• Set up a separate guest network.
•  Use a VPN for added security
•  Keep your router and devices updated.
• Disable remote access to your router
• Regularly check connected devices.
• Upgrade to a router that supports WPA3.
• Position your router centrally in your home.
• Set a strong Wi-Fi password and update it regularly
• Change the default login credentials for your router.

9. AVOID SHARING PERSONAL INFORMATION ONLINE-

We use social media to keep in touch with family and friends Sharing updates on our daily lives Now Influencers use it to earn money through posts and sponsorships. by uploading their lifestyle. While many of us use social media for quick entertainment, like scrolling reels, etc some people gather information from social media to use it maliciously.

• Why is Oversharing Risky?

Sharing personal details online can help criminals to get personal information about you. For example-

• Posting vacation photos can give a signal that your home is currently unoccupied. 
• Sharing images of your home or hobbies might reveal valuable items like art, jewelry, electronics, or collectible items, attracting potential thieves.
• Pictures or details about family members can expose their identities and locations, putting them at risk.
• Personal information, such as the name of your pet or your high school, can be used to guess passwords or answer security questions, making it easier for attackers to access your accounts.

Oversharing online can make you a target, so it’s essential to be mindful of what you post.

10. EDUCATE YOURSELF AND OTHERS-

In our tech-driven world, cybersecurity is more important than ever. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to hack personal data and attack large companies and governments. and demand money for the information hacked by Cybercriminals  Staying updated on the latest cybersecurity news and breaches is essential for both individuals and businesses to protect themselves from these evolving threats. 

CONCLUSION:

Hackers easily target those people who are unaware of online scams and cybersecurity. Therefore, it is important to adopt some security tips to protect PCs. By using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, keeping your software updated, installing and maintaining antivirus software, and using a firewall, you can enhance your security.

These top 10 security tips can help protect your PCs. For more insights into how technology shapes our digital security landscape, check out  How Technology Giants Shape Global Security. Share this article with those who are unaware of these scams.