8 Things You Can Do To Stop Hackers Dead In Their Tracks
Cybercrime is on the up and up. Technological advancements have facilitated inventive ways for cybercriminals to hack into our PC, Mac, and smartphone devices. Individuals and organizations are vulnerable. According to stats, phishing emails account for over 90% of security breaches. Given that it can take months to detect such attacks, many cybercriminals get away scot-free.
Indeed, current sentiment indicates that many folks are more worried about getting hacked than being physically attacked. Hackers use a combination of rudimentary and sophisticated techniques to circumvent traditional security protocols.
There are three types of hackers, including Gray Hat Hackers who do it for kicks, Black Hat Hackers who extort companies and individuals for personal gain, and White Hat Hackers who are paid to help companies fix security flaws and prevent data breaches.
.png
)
Today, we’re going to present you with failsafe security procedures that provide an impervious blanket to shield your online activity from hackers. Over the years, major corporations have fallen prey to unprecedented security breaches. Consider the data breaches at Yahoo with billions of users who had their data compromised. It can happen to any company and anyone.
The most effective security system is a multilayered framework comprised of regular software updates, antivirus software, anti-malware, multifactor authentication, RNG generated complex passwords, firewall protection, SSL encryption protocols, ironclad browser protection measures, limited personal data posted on social media, and commonsense.
Regular Software Updates
Whether you’re running a Windows or Mac, Blackberry OS, LINUX, or another operating system, regular updates are sacrosanct. General software updates and/or patches for software are vital to the safe functioning of your system. Update reminders typically pop up on the screen for PC, Mac, and mobile. It’s imperative to update to the latest operating system software at all times.
These revisions are essential for repairing security loopholes in the software. They are essentially bug fixes. These updates also prevent rootkits, trojans, malware, and security flaws on your PC from being transmitted to other PCs. That’s why it’s imperative to stay abreast of the latest security patches and to implement updates on all devices.
Anti-Virus Software Protection
AV software is often the go-to bulwark against hackers. Always choose highly rated, independently tested, and credible anti-virus software. This is especially true if you are managing an online business or dealing with sensitive information. Regardless, updated AV software is capable of protecting against the latest threats, malware, adware, spyware, and viruses.
Antivirus software is essential in the fight against cybercriminals. It inoculates computers against infection by hackers. It protects data, identifies threats, and implements safeguards to prevent cybercriminals from infiltrating online activity. Hundreds of thousands of malware programs are created daily, and only up-to-date antivirus software can provide substantive protection against these types of threats.
Anti-Malware Protection
Like antivirus software, anti-malware protection is a specific type of software program designed to safeguard IT systems and individual computers from malware. Malware is a contraction for malicious software. It is usually in the form of a hidden code that is installed without the consent or knowledge of the user or company. Malware typically spreads via the Internet, removable media, or email. Malware includes a wide range of malicious software such as Trojan horses, rootkits, viruses, worms, and spyware.
Anti-malware implements a set of strategies to protect computer systems from hackers. These include three measures:
ï Sandboxing to isolate malicious files from the rest of the system
ï Behavior-based malware detection measures which identify malicious software through its behavior rather than its appearance
ï Signature-based malware detection measures to identify adware and keyloggers which have certain characteristics.
Multi-Factor Authentication Measures
Multi-factor authentication or MFA is a security system requiring multiple authentication methods to approve a login. The standard format for logging in is a username + password combination. However, this is too easy to steal so multi-factor authentication can provide a layered security system to stop hackers dead in their tracks. With the MFA, a username + password is needed with additional authentication required.
This can take the form of a Microsoft Authenticator app which creates a randomly-generated 6-digit number to input along with the login. The Authenticator app is only available through the user’s smartphone. The number changes every 30 seconds, to prevent hackers from using old information to log in. While multifactor authentication is inconvenient to many users, it provides peace of mind. Even if a password has been compromised, it is of little value to a hacker without the authentication digits.
Secure Web Application Software
Cybercriminals can easily infiltrate content management systems (CMS) such as WordPress to gain access to personal information. Web application security systems go a long way towards preventing third-party attacks from happening. Website security systems are designed to ensure that all components of a web application are secure. While no system is failsafe, the best systems can dramatically reduce the chances of a data breach.
Website application security systems a.k.a. Web AppSec are formulated around the concept of building websites to perform as expected. This occurs even when they are under attack. Various security measures are designed in such a way as to safeguard the assets from malicious activity. Web applications, like computer software, are inherently defective. Some of these security flaws can be exploited as vulnerabilities. Web AppSec protects against these defects.
Biometric Login Information
Biometric logins include a range of options such as behavioral biometrics, fingerprint scans, veins scanning, DNA matching, or retinal scans. These authentication measures require the user to be physically present for login entry to be granted. Unless the hacker is holding the user hostage in person, biometric information is nearly impossible to obtain without sophisticated hacking software.
While biometric data is largely protected against hacking, it is still not foolproof. AI algorithms can generate fingerprints and retinal scans which can be used to confuse fingerprint scanners and other scanning devices. Biometric logins are much more convenient for users, and no passwords need to be remembered. Eye scans, fingerprint scans, gesture scans, or vein scans are a step in the right direction.
Complex Passwords & Login Security
Hackers use a variety of devious techniques to obtain passwords, including dictionary attacks. By far the easiest way for bad actors to access secret login information is through open Wi-Fi. Never use zero password Wi-Fi connections for emailing, banking, or connecting devices.
Rather pair your mobile cellular Internet connection to your PC or Mac than connect to a password-free Wi-Fi connection at a coffee shop, library, airport, or hotel. It is recommended that users implement WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) as opposed to WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy).
Always login to secure sites with HTTPS protocol, and avoid those that are listed as not secure. Try not to download third-party apps that are not supported for your operating system either the Google Play Store or the App Store. These have not been vetted by stringent security controls. Never directly link your PayPal, personal bank account, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or another site to a suspicious third-party site. Commonsense login security measures go a long way to protecting against hackers.
Password Protection
Password protection is essential for keeping hackers at bay. Really strong passwords are much harder to guess and almost impossible to crack. There are several important tips to follow when creating passwords. Never use any personal information such as names, dates, hobbies, or places associated with you.
The password should include alphanumeric keys in a random, nonsensical format. Every website should have a different password and each password should not correlate at all with other passwords. Password generators with password-protected logins are best. Unpredictable passwords are much safer.
These tips on how to out hack a hacker are the equivalent of defensive driving for your online communications. By taking a proactive stance against cyber security threats, you’re placing the bull’s-eye on somebody else since your data is ironclad secure.
