Keeping Data Safe From Digital Attacks

151228-online-fraud-hacking-415p_1f4a69829f4841f440828b3b86d4a07

If there is anything we have learned protecting data from online attacks, it’s that constant vigilance is the price for constant security. Over the past few years some of the biggest online corporations including AOL and Microsoft have fallen victim to cyber attacks through unexpected security breaches.

We still can’t forget the effects of the Heartbleed Bug, which was essentially a massive hole in the encryption tool protecting a sizable portion of the Internet.

Not too long ago, Data Label an online label company, took the time to share their expertise on the topic of vulnerable email systems and online scams. In their expert opinion, opening links and downloading attachments that are not from reputable software companies places systems and networks at serious risk. Out of date browsers and antiquated antivirus software are another cause of concern.

All this information points to one fact, it is no longer safe to take a lackadaisical approach to protecting online identities and intellectual property. Following are some best practices you can employ to keeping safe from digital attacks.

  1. Passwords

The idea of a password is that only you know it, being easy to remember only partially contributes to its functionality. Come up with creative ways to make unimaginable passwords for your online accounts. One way to create garble is to come up with a sentence you will never forget. The first letter of each word becomes your password. Keyboard patterns are another tough password to crack.

  1. Apply Software Updates and Patches when Prompted

As security technology becomes more and more advanced so do the techniques of the nefarious hacker. Software production companies like Microsoft, Google and Apple often release updates that contain improved security measures or patches that allow their programs to run securely and efficiently. Don’t ignore that annoying prompt, keeping your software up to date is a good defense cyber attacks.

  1. Read those “Permission” pages before Installing Apps

This is one of the most insidious ways that miscreants can access your personal information. This is even a problem on the Google Play Store. Many apps have lengthy and involved permissions sheets and they are often skipped over when a user is downloading an app. But hidden in some of these permissions sheets are provisions to access your contact information, locations and even your camera. The identity of the app’s publisher can tell a lot about the nature of the app.

  1. Avoid Using Untrustworthy External Devices (Hard Drives and USB)

A USB or thumb drive can make an excellent carrier for a viral threat. When some hapless user plugs this into their device the malware download can be successfully completed. If you are not completely sure about the source and history of an external memory unit, better not plug it into anything important.

  1. Verify a Page is Secure before entering Personal Information.

Entering your personal information into an unsecure site can be a serious problem especially if you enter bank and credit card numbers. You will find a small padlock icon in the URL bar before the web address on sites that are secured. Furthermore, be sure the web address begins with the prefix http:// as without these symbols the site is not secure and any data you enter can be submitted to the public.

In Conclusion

These are some of the most important ways the security-minded individual can survive in his techno-era where every byte of data counts. If you would like more information on how to protect your data from the threat of cyber attacks, Digital Connect Mag posted some crucial information on this subject.

Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on google
Google+
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on linkedin
LinkedIn
Share on pinterest
Pinterest

Write for my site

Are you a tech nerd and a great writer? I'm currently accepting guest posts. Sounds good?