There
is no doubt that in the past year, we have had a noticeable rise in the number
of cyber threats, data leaks, phishing scams and big hacking threats. The only
way they can access such important data is by hacking our email addresses.
Despite the growing sophistication of hackers, there are a range of steps we
should take to keep our emails from being compromised.
is no doubt that in the past year, we have had a noticeable rise in the number
of cyber threats, data leaks, phishing scams and big hacking threats. The only
way they can access such important data is by hacking our email addresses.
Despite the growing sophistication of hackers, there are a range of steps we
should take to keep our emails from being compromised.
Watch out for Suspicious Emails
Phishing
emails are carefully designed to trick you into entering confidential
information such as an account number, password or date of birth by clicking on
a link. The email may also include an attachment that once opened will directly
infect your computer with malware.
emails are carefully designed to trick you into entering confidential
information such as an account number, password or date of birth by clicking on
a link. The email may also include an attachment that once opened will directly
infect your computer with malware.
Phishing
emails have been around for a long time and despite a wealth of information
about the different methods used to target victims, millions of people are
still falling for these scams on a daily basis.
emails have been around for a long time and despite a wealth of information
about the different methods used to target victims, millions of people are
still falling for these scams on a daily basis.
Avoid
opening email that look suspicious or clicking on any links.
opening email that look suspicious or clicking on any links.
Consider the use of a Password Manager
It
may be a daunting task to try to remember so many passwords for all of our
online accounts, but a password manager provides a centralized and encrypted
location that keeps all of these passwords secure.
may be a daunting task to try to remember so many passwords for all of our
online accounts, but a password manager provides a centralized and encrypted
location that keeps all of these passwords secure.
The
first step when using a password manager is to create a master password. The
master password will control access to your entire password database. This
password is the only one you will have to remember so it’s important to make
this as strong and secure as possible.
first step when using a password manager is to create a master password. The
master password will control access to your entire password database. This
password is the only one you will have to remember so it’s important to make
this as strong and secure as possible.
Password
managers can also protect against phishing attacks by filling in account
information on the basis of their registered web addresses. If you think you’re
on the website of your bank, but the password manager doesn’t immediately sign
in, there’s a fair chance you’ve gone to the phishing site.
managers can also protect against phishing attacks by filling in account
information on the basis of their registered web addresses. If you think you’re
on the website of your bank, but the password manager doesn’t immediately sign
in, there’s a fair chance you’ve gone to the phishing site.
Use a VPN for Extra Security
A
VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a great tool to help protect your privacy
online. It lets you browse the internet safely and securely by routing your
connection through a server and hiding your online connections. It effectively
encrypts all your data so that a hacker can’t tell what you are doing online or
where in the world you are located. Quite simply, your data is safe and secure,
and your internet activity is untraceable.
VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a great tool to help protect your privacy
online. It lets you browse the internet safely and securely by routing your
connection through a server and hiding your online connections. It effectively
encrypts all your data so that a hacker can’t tell what you are doing online or
where in the world you are located. Quite simply, your data is safe and secure,
and your internet activity is untraceable.
Secure your Home Router and Wi-Fi
When
you’re initially setting up your home network you will be asked to create a
publicly visible network name, otherwise known as a SSID (Service Set
identifier). Most devices are configured with a default network name that has
been allocated by the manufacturer. You should immediately change the default
name to make it more difficult for a hacker to know what type of router you
have, thereby reducing the chance of attack.
you’re initially setting up your home network you will be asked to create a
publicly visible network name, otherwise known as a SSID (Service Set
identifier). Most devices are configured with a default network name that has
been allocated by the manufacturer. You should immediately change the default
name to make it more difficult for a hacker to know what type of router you
have, thereby reducing the chance of attack.
You
should also update your Wi-Fi software to protect the network security of your home.
The router’s firmware like any other type of software can contain
vulnerabilities that hackers will look to exploit. Most routers will not have
the option of an auto-update so you will need to manually update the software
to ensure your Wi-Fi is protected.
should also update your Wi-Fi software to protect the network security of your home.
The router’s firmware like any other type of software can contain
vulnerabilities that hackers will look to exploit. Most routers will not have
the option of an auto-update so you will need to manually update the software
to ensure your Wi-Fi is protected.
Activate Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor
authentication offers an extra layer of defence in protecting the security of
your email accounts. In addition to a password, two-factor authentication
requires a second piece of information to confirm your identity. This reduces
the chance of a hacker being able to gain easy access to your accounts.
authentication offers an extra layer of defence in protecting the security of
your email accounts. In addition to a password, two-factor authentication
requires a second piece of information to confirm your identity. This reduces
the chance of a hacker being able to gain easy access to your accounts.
There
are a range of different two factor authentication sites available that can be
used for this process. Once you have registered, you can log into your accounts
as normal and then enter your password. As soon as you do this, the two-factor
authentication site will send a one-off code to your phone that you must enter
before gaining access to your account.
are a range of different two factor authentication sites available that can be
used for this process. Once you have registered, you can log into your accounts
as normal and then enter your password. As soon as you do this, the two-factor
authentication site will send a one-off code to your phone that you must enter
before gaining access to your account.
