The number of incidents of data breaches is increasing significantly every year and everyone should take it as a warning that their data is not safe in today’s highly connected world. It has become more important than ever to take the right measures to secure your data and protect it from the hackers who are always in search of victims.
While the technologies and methodologies used by hackers are highly advanced, but, with the right steps, one can ensure the safety of his/her personal data stored locally on their computer as well as the information stored in their online user accounts. The recent malware and phishing attacks accentuate the rising need for deploying the right security measures to keep the hackers out of your stuff.
Here are the top 7 ways which you can deploy to protect your data and information from the various types of phishing attacks.
Keep Your Computer and Other Data Devices Updated
One of the best ways to keep your computer and other device secure is by installing all the latest security updates. The operating system manufacturers keep on sending the security updates which contain the security patches and advanced security algorithms to provide apt protection to the system against phishing as well as virus attacks.
Use Multi-factor Authentication
Wherever a service offers it, use two step authentication. When you use a multifactor authentication, then, whenever you open your account from a new computer or IP address, you are not just required to provide your password but also a verification code sent to your registered phone number via SMS. This will provide an extra layer of protection to your user accounts while making them even more difficult to hack.
The phishing statistics indicate that the users who use two-level authentication are better able to keep their data and information secure as compared to the ones who only use single level authentication.
Use A High Quality Antivirus Software
Most often, the hackers or unauthorized users use malware or virus to infect the victim’s computer so that it becomes easier to access it. But, if you use a high quality antivirus software, the hackers won’t be able to infect your computer and use the computer’s vulnerability to steal sensitive information from it.
Install A Malware Protection Software
Like an antivirus software, a malware protection system is also very important. The malware protection on phones and computers works as firewall and allows you to choose which apps you want to run on your computer and which you don’t.
Do Not Connect Unknown Devices With Your Computer
Don’t connect any unknown devices like data cables, USB drives, CDs etc. to your computer. You never know which device contains a malicious code or a virus which can infect your system, and make it easier for attackers to steal the sensitive information stored on it.
Stay Away From Public Wi-Fi’s
Most of the public wi-fi hotspots do not encrypt the information and anyone can access the information being transmitted with such connection. This implies that any packet sniffing program or a malicious individual can steal this information and get access to your sensitive data.
Use Strong Passwords
Using strong passwords having a combination of alphabets, numbers and special characters has become the need of the hour. One cannot rely on simpler passwords because hackers have become highly advanced in breaking the passwords and obtaining sensitive information like usernames, passwords, banking details etc.
This is a good anti-phishing checklist and by using it, you can certainly secure your data and keep the hackers out of your stuff.
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