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People get hacked for two main reasons. It is either defect in the software or flaws in human behavior, and while code flaws are out of your control, you can take steps to improve your own behavior.
Credit card information, private messages, and images can all be stolen and made public if your accounts aren’t adequately safeguarded. Unfortunately, determining whether or not your accounts have been compromised can be time-consuming and aggravating. However, to avoid being hacked in the first place, you should take precautions. So, here are some steps you may take to keep yourself safe.
1. Set up two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication is an extra layer of security that requires you to enter a code in addition to your password when logging into your account. This code is usually sent to your phone, meaning that someone would need both your password and your phone to log into your account.
2. Use a strong password.
A strong password is difficult for someone to guess. It should be eight characters long and mix uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s also a good idea to change your password regularly.
The reason why it’s important to use a strong password because if a hacker tries to guess your password, they will likely fail if it’s strong. They’ll move on to another target, which is what you want. For this, you can use a username generator and a password manager. Not only will it be more complicated for hackers to guess your password, but you’ll also be able to keep track of all your passwords in one place.
3. Be careful what you click on.
One of the most common ways hackers gain access to people’s accounts is by tricking them into clicking on a malicious link. It can happen in an email, on a website, or even in a text message.
If you receive an unsolicited email from someone you don’t know, don’t click on any of the links. If you’re unsure whether a website is legitimate, do a quick Google search to see if anyone has reported it as malicious. And if you receive a text message from an unknown number, don’t click on any of the links.
4. Keep your software up to date.
Another way hackers gain access to people’s accounts is by exploiting security vulnerabilities in outdated software. It is why it’s important to keep your operating system, web browser, and other software up to date.
Most software updates will install automatically, but checking for updates regularly is a good idea. That way, you can ensure that you’re always using the latest and most secure version of each program.
5. Use a VPN.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is a tool that encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in another location. It makes it much more difficult for someone to eavesdrop on your traffic and steal your information.
VPNs are especially useful when using public Wi-Fi, as they can help to protect your traffic from being snooped on by anyone else on the network.
There are many different VPNs to choose from, so research is important to find one that’s right for you. Once you’ve found a VPN you’re happy with, be sure to use it whenever you’re connected to a public Wi-Fi network.
6. Phishing scams.
Phishing is an online scam where hackers try to trick you into giving them your personal information. They may do this by sending you an email that looks like it’s from a legitimate website or service or by creating a fake website that looks identical to the real thing.
If you receive an email or see a website that looks suspicious, don’t click on any of the links. And if you’re ever asked to enter your personal information into a website, check the URL to ensure it’s legitimate.
7. Use a security extension.
If you’re using a web browser, many different security extensions can help to protect your account from being hacked. These extensions can block malicious websites, warn you about phishing scams, and even help keep your passwords safe.
Some popular security extensions are uBlock Origin, NoScript, and HTTPS Everywhere. These extensions are available for both Firefox and Chrome.
8. Be careful what you post on social media.
If you use social media, be careful about what information you share. Hackers can often gather a lot of information about you from your public posts, which they can use to access your accounts.
If you post personal information on social media, set your privacy settings so that only your friends and family can see it. And if you’re ever asked to enter your password into a social media website, check the URL to ensure it’s legitimate.
The Bottom Line:
By following these tips, you can help to protect your account from being hacked. Remember to be careful about what information you share online, and keep your software updated. If you’re ever unsure about a website or email, don’t hesitate to do a quick Google search to check if it’s legitimate. Remember, it’s better to be safe than sorry!
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Image source: Pixabay.com
