Technology is a double-edged sword. While the general world population now highly depends on digitized or smart gadgets, there lies a grave danger. Hackers are equally honing their tech skills in committing cybercrimes. Phishing, denial of service (DoS), viruses and trojans, and key loggers are some of the most common hacking tactics targeted on unsecured gadgets today.

The repercussions of hacking are dire, ranging from compromising private information to losing millions of dollars. Hence, this calls for you to keep your guard up and protect your gadgets from hackers.

The following measures can help you stay off the hacker’s radar.

1. Manage Your Credentials

Passwords are the first security layer that protects a gadget from unauthorized access. Hence, you must ensure that your passwords are secure, unique, and impossible to crack. For example:

  • Avoid using bogus formats like 123, ABC, or qwerty.
  • Use different codes for different gadgets and websites or apps
  • Regularly update your login credentials
  • Use a password manager

Also, avoid sharing your PIN and beware of malicious tactics, like social engineering. Managing your credentials makes it difficult for hackers to access your gadget remotely.

2. Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, offers another layer of protection to your password. It requires added authenticating factors to verify the user’s identity before granting access to your gadget. For example, an OTP code will be generated and sent to a different device. You may also be required to provide a personal pin or answer specific questions, like “What is your pet’s name?”. You may also use your fingerprints, voice, or face for identification.

2FA makes it difficult for hackers to infiltrate your gadget because they cannot get hold of the two devices simultaneously, even with email access.

3. Use Antivirus Software

Antivirus software detects malware in your gadget, quarantines, blocks, or permanently deletes the threat. Ensure you update your antivirus regularly to detect and deal with new variants of viruses. Also, regularly perform full-system scans to help detect hidden malware. It is essential that you use trustworthy antivirus software, for insance, Avast or McAfee.

4. Hire a Computer Technician

If you are not tech-savvy, let a professional do the heavy lifting. Hiring a computer technician is beneficial because they can:

  • Do penetration testing (a simulated cyber-attack) to evaluate your gadgets’ security.
  • Troubleshoot and diagnose your gadgets
  • Update your software and hardware
  • Repair your gadgets
  • Help you back up data and uninstall redundant software

In addition to using referrals and social media, you can find a competent computer technician on Leadar within your neighbourhood.

5. Use a Firewall

A firewall is a network security device that monitors, permits or prohibits traffic into a private network. There are mainly five types of firewalls you can use according to your needs: packet-filtering firewall, application-level gateway firewall, circuit-level gateway firewall, stateful inspection firewall, and next-generation firewall.

Generally, using a firewall helps do the following:

  • Curbs your system from intrusion attempts
  • Protects your system from unwanted traffic that may carry along malware and spam
  • Helps filter offensive and inappropriate internet content for minors and adults
  • Prevents malicious remote access

6. Update Your Software Regularly

Apart from the new convenient app features that come with updates, you are also likely to stay a step ahead of any potential hackers by updating your software regularly. Because hackers study software systems and develop more lethal malware to exploit existing vulnerabilities, software engineers also test their software for these vulnerabilities and make patches.

When you update your software, any existing threats are sorted out by security patches, thus ensuring maximum security from hackers.

7. Use a VPN

A virtual private network (VPN) helps your gadget stay off the hacker’s radar by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address. Hence, preventing remote hacking, especially where hackers attack based on your IP address. However, because not all tools are effective, use the most trusted VPNs for your gadgets’ security.

8. Avoid Using Public Internet Hotspots

While they seem convenient, public Wi-Fi can compromise your gadget’s security. There are countless ways hackers can attack your gadgets via public networks. Here are three examples:

Man In the Middle Attacks

This is when a hacker positions themselves in a data exchange between you and the website you are using. This is dangerous as they can steal information like credit card details and social media passwords and use them for malicious gain.

Evil Twin Attacks

This happens when a hacker sets up a fake Wi-Fi connection similar to a genuine public Wi-Fi to trick unsuspecting users into connecting to it.

Packet Sniffing

This is where an attacker uses unique spying tools to monitor and read sensitive information while you are connected to the network.

Remember to use a trustworthy VPN if you must use a public Wi-Fi connection. Also, remember to turn off your Wi-Fi when away from home to avoid automatic connection to harmful public Wi-Fi points.

9. Download Files Only from Official and Trusted Sites

One easy way to be a victim of a hacking attack is by downloading files from suspicious websites. Hackers often lure unsuspecting internet users into downloading “cracked” or “modded” software for free, thus securing targets of various types of malware and hacking activity.

For example, when you download a pirated game from an untrusted website. The game may include a ransomware attack that could corrupt all files on your gadget. You will then be asked to pay a fee to get the antidote or decryption key to re-access your files.

10.  Backup Important Files and Delete Obsolete Ones

As a precautionary measure, back up vital files in a way you can access them if they are compromised on one device. For example, have a cloud-based backup that hackers cannot access on your gadgets. Also, delete files that may contain important information but are no longer useful. This will help you avoid data breaches and minimize entry points for attackers.

Conclusion

While our digital and smart gadgets have formed systems that continue improving quality and ease of life, they can sometimes do more harm than good. Potential dangers, like identity theft, ransomware attacks, and even compromising national security, should be avoided. The above measures combine technology, user awareness, and professional guidance to protect gadgets from hackers. As an additional precaution, avoid clicking on emails and text messages from unknown senders or with suspicious links.

 

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