The Top 10 Ways Your Mistakes Will Be Used by Hackers
The AV-TEST Institute says that every day, more than 390,000 new pieces of malware are found. Hackers have a lot of options for choosing their targets due to the sheer number of malicious software. Users frequently make similar errors that are simple to take advantage of. The top ten mistakes that people make and how to avoid them are listed below so that you and your network remain safe.
1) Clicking on Doubtful Links
According to Inc., users frequently fall prey to "oddball" websites through virtual recommendations, when downloading music, or when grabbing free photos. If you click on a questionable link, malware that could give you access to your bank accounts and credit card numbers could be added to your system. Before clicking through, only visit reputable websites to ensure your safety. In most cases, the links that are the most secure will be at the top of any Google search, but if you are ever in any doubt, do not click on the link.
2) Using Unknown Flash Drives
It's important to back up your system and files, but always be careful when inserting a USB or flash drive from another person into your computer. Malware can be stored on external drives, and a single well-placed "left behind" drive can infect an entire network. The conclusion: Don't use it if it's not your device. Make sure not to infect any other machines by regularly scanning your device for viruses and other harmful programs.
3) Unwantedly Obtaining Antivirus Software
Everyone has seen a pop-up warning that if you don't download free antivirus software right away, your PC will be in danger. Hackers know how to get you to download files before you know what's going on. One of their favorite ways to get you to download files is to pretend that their infectious code is a virus-scanning program that helps you protect yourself from online threats. However, clicking on this malware could actually prevent you from using legitimate antivirus software on your computer. To prevent unsafe links from showing up on your screen, make sure your antivirus software is always up to date and has a pop-up blocker installed.
4) Allowing Attackers to Access Your Webcam
The Daily Mail reported that webcam hacks can be terrifying breaches of privacy. An attacker can disable your webcam and gain remote access to your computer thanks to a specific type of malware. Learn the telltale signs that your computer's camera is on (and potentially recording)—usually a light will appear—since the camera on your computer is not protected in the same way as other network-enabled devices. Because it does not block audio, simply covering the camera with tape is not sufficient; additionally, you should be aware of how to disable it.
5) Making Use of the Same Password Without Two-Factor Authentication
When you use the same password for government, banking, and e-commerce websites, you really make a hacker's day. By breaking into just one of your accounts, you can compromise all of your accounts, which is known as "daisy chaining." Check to see if you have multiple passwords for each account, and give new ones a try every six months or so. It may be challenging to remember so many passwords, but it is well worth the effort to avoid the enormous hassle and identity theft trail that could occur if an attacker gains access to all of your accounts.
6) Using Insecure Passwords
You put yourself at risk of brute force attacks if you use multiple passwords that are not sufficiently complex. When an attacker uses specialized software to guess your account's password, this is a type of attack. A hacker will be able to guess your password more quickly if it is shorter and simpler.
7) Waiting to Install Software Updates
Waiting to install updates for programs like Windows, Java, Flash, and Office is a mistake that can make it easier for cybercriminals to gain access. Even if you have good antivirus software, big security flaws in popular software can make you vulnerable to attacks .For instance, Microsoft recently released patch MS15-081, which addresses a number of Office vulnerabilities, as V3 pointed out. You will miss out on the patch and expose your system to an attack and a possible data breach if you do not download the update.
8) Responding to Phishing Emails
According to the Canadian government's Get Cyber Safe website, 80,000 users are targeted daily by phishing emails. If you receive a phishing email in the future that claims you have won the lottery, needs you to "click here" to avoid IRS fines, or wants you to watch a "shocking video," delete it right away. Before clicking on any link you receive via email, always check the sender (not just the name, but also the email address) and ensure that it is a trusted contact. Although the majority of email systems have spam filters to catch these messages,
9) Disabling Windows User Account Control (UAC) Features
Windows UAC features can be irritating, and it may appear that disabling the notifications is an easy way to eliminate them. However, these are crucial because they give you control over updates and notify you when your computer is changing. If you turn off the notifications, hackers will be able to change your computer without your permission and gain access to your files. You're basically giving them a blank check.
10) Using Public WiFi
Never access your personal information via a public WiFi network. Even worse, these networks may be a trap and frequently lack security. The bad guys create a tempting, malware-laden access point for anyone who is willing to join because they are aware that users anticipate seeing a network called "Coffe shop WiFi" when they stop in at the local café for a hot drink. You might be giving a hacker access to passwords and other personal information as soon as you join the network. Do you want to check your tax return or pay your bills? Do it at home, where you are confident that your network is safe.
Shortlinks clicks
Links that are too long to fit in Facebook updates or Tweets are frequently condensed to a few characters, making the website's URL inaccessible. If you click on a shortlink, you might be clicking on malware because you don't know where you're going. Use a browser with link previews, which display the title, description, and thumbnail image of the webpage before you click, to avoid this trap. Don't click through if it doesn't look legitimate.
Hackers are happy to take advantage of users' frequent mistakes regarding computer security! However, knowledge is power—know their favorites and deny them access to your personal data, files, or information.
