Whether you’re an Apple or Android user or prefer to log into accounts on a laptop, the FBI has a warning for you.
The US Intelligence and Security Service has revealed 10 important tips that can keep you safe from hackers as cybercrime continues to rise.
The warning was endorsed by the Cyber Security and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), the National Security Agency (NSA) and officials in Canada, New Zealand, the Netherlands and the UK.
Security groups have highlighted 10 ways in which hackers will attempt to access your device or hack into your accounts.
Following the suggested steps can help you avoid personal data being stolen or money lost.
Standard advice like setting up multi-factor authentication is on the list as well as other points you may not have considered.
We have compiled the complete list for you below.
set up multi-factor authentication
Most of your social media accounts and online banking will have multi-factor authentication options in the Settings section.
Setting this up means there are extra steps in your log-in process and additional barriers for any cybercriminals trying to hack you.
avoid wrong permissions
This step is more applicable to companies and is something you can tell your employer.
Security experts warn against having long access permission lists for personal data.
The fewer people who have access to private and important data, the less likely cybercriminals are to hack.
update your software
This may sound like an obvious point but many people forget to update their software or stop updating the system.
Software updates usually come with bug fixes, so turning them off allows cybercriminals to exploit a flaw in your device.
Do not use the default login and password
Never stick with the default login or password as it is very easy for a hacker to guess.
Change your passwords often and avoid birthdays and names of loved ones, something that no one can guess about you.
Avoid Unnecessary VPNs
Virtual private networks can be useful for surfing the Internet like you are in another country, but some can leave you open to scammers.
Be careful which VPN you choose to use as some do not have enough control to prevent hackers from accessing your personal content.
make your password strong
Similarly to avoid the default password, make sure the password you choose is strong.
Sites usually suggest what type of password is required, so make sure you follow it, even if it means adding a lot of numbers and symbols.
Beware of Cloud Services
When you save your data to cloud services, make sure you know it is secure.
Apple’s iCloud is known for being quite secure, but there are some cloud apps that can leave you vulnerable to attacks.
Be mindful of the content you upload to the cloud and who you allow access to it.
Beware of ‘misconfigured services’
This point is higher for the services themselves as they have the responsibility of protecting your data.
Previous research by IBM Security X-Force found that two-thirds of cloud security incidents could have been avoided with the right security policies.
Don’t Fail to Detect a Phishing Scam
If you receive an email or text with a suspicious link, you should avoid it, even if the link is of something important.
Scammers rely on intimidating or convincing you that you are about to get something good.
Phishing scams can be easy to detect when you know what to look for such as spelling mistakes, misspellings of names, and strange email addresses.
Make sure you’ve got the right protection
The final security tip is regarding endpoint detection.
This is software that is supposed to detect a threat that has already passed certain barriers so that you can try and block it before it spreads.
Make sure you have or invest in strong security software.
