These days, you can already hear
a lot about places getting hacked not just in Singapore, but also all around
the world. Our reliance on technology and the internet today also obviously has
some dangers to it. It’s also not just our social media accounts that are
vulnerable to hacking, but also our private data and files as well. So, let’s
go straight ahead to the ways you can avoid getting hacked!
1. When choosing passwords…
Because a password is one of the primary means of protecting your own data, it should be one that is not easily predictable or “crackable”. You should avoid using the all-common, “password” or “qwerty123”, and use one that has a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters along with some numbers. Another thing, don’t use the same password for different accounts. Though we think it makes passwords easier to remember, hackers can use it to their advantage. If you have difficulty remembering different passwords, you can always use a password managing software or app.
2. Make constant updates
Regardless if you’re using a Mac or a Windows PC, it will always be a good idea to keep updating your computer. Software updates and anti-virus updates are essential if you want to keep your private data safe in the long-run. Systems and software have updates as a way to keep up with the newer threats and viruses produced by hackers and make it harder for them to gain access to your files and data. There’s somehow an assumption that updates can make your computer slower since it takes up space. Although this is partially true, that can be a small price to pay for your safety.
3. Social media
The information you put out on
social media can also be used by hackers to come up with methods to attack you.
That is why you need to be careful about sharing too much information on
Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other social media platforms. A simple
example would be if you had your pet’s name as a password. If you keep sharing
about your pet on social media, then hackers have one solid option when it
comes to determining your password.
4. Click with caution
You should always try to avoid
downloading files from unknown or unsecured sources on the internet. Hackers
can use anything from PDFs, programs, and etc. to plant invisible malware in
your computer. Depending on the malware program, the hackers might be able to
access files on your computer, your saved credentials, or even turn on your
webcam to spy on you. You should also be careful with clicking on attachments
from shady email addresses. As said earlier, they might have malware that can
go undetected once downloaded.