How to avoid being hacked: Tips to keep you safe online

online safty and it's priority: avoid being hacked


As the internet becomes more popular, it becomes more valuable to hackers. 

This means that more hackers than ever are trying to find ways to break into our computers and access our sensitive data, passwords, and account information. 

This can be frustrating, but luckily there are plenty of things you can do to avoid being hacked. Here are 5 tips on how to avoid being hacked.

Don’t share your data

1. Avoid clicking on links from people you don't know and those that are suspicious in any way. 

2. Make sure your password is strong and different for every account, preferably a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. 

3. Use two-factor authentication wherever possible 

4. Always update your software with the latest security patches 

5. Keep all of your devices patched with the latest updates 

6. Don’t visit websites where you can’t trust their security 

7. Don’t click on attachments from people you don't know 

8. Clear your browser cache after browsing questionable sites 

9. Only install software from trusted vendors 

10. Never give out personal information like credit card numbers or Social Security Numbers without understanding how it will be used 

11. Take advantage of basic settings such as firewalls, pop-up blockers, anti-virus programs

Check the links

-The first rule of cyber safety is don't click on anything that looks suspicious. 

-You should always read the instructions and warnings before downloading or opening a file. 

-Don't share personal information with someone who doesn't need it, like your date of birth or your Social Security Number. 

-Use complex passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include numbers, symbols and upper case letters. -Install anti-virus software and update it regularly.

-Change your passwords often, especially if they were exposed in a data breach.

Use different passwords

a. Use a mix of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols to create a password that is difficult to hack 

b. Change your passwords often, but be sure not to use the same password twice in a row 

c. Create strong passwords by including at least one capital letter, one number, and one symbol in your new password 

d. Don't use personal information or short words as your passwords

Keep software updated

Keep your operating system and software up-to-date. 

Updates are free and can help protect your computer against viruses or malware that might be targeting the vulnerabilities of older versions. 

If you use Windows, update Windows Defender and other anti-malware programs. 

If you use MacOS, update macOS, Safari and other anti-malware programs. 

Do not click on any links in emails, text messages or social media messages from unknown sources - this is how hackers often try to steal information from unsuspecting users by directing them to websites where their personal data is collected without their knowledge. 

Turn off features like Bluetooth and Wi-Fi when they're not needed.

Use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)

VPNs encrypt your internet connection, meaning hackers can't see what you're doing on the web. 

So if they're trying to trick you by pretending to be a website, they'll have no way of seeing what the site should look like, and they won't be able to lure you in. 

Another feature of VPNs is that they provide users with anonymity on the web. 

This means that even if a hacker does manage to get their hands on your data (either through malware or because they guessed your password).

It's unlikely that he or she will be able to do anything with it since he or she won't know who you are!

Conclusion

We have all been taught from a very young age that sharing information is never a good idea, but sometimes we are stuck in a situation where we need to share personal information with someone. 

However, as long as you take precautions and be vigilant about protecting your own personal data, there will be no need for hackers to try and trick or hack you.