Anyone with money (no matter how much) and any data (accounts, passwords, documents, emails, etc.) can become a target for a cyber attack. What’s more, anyone can be affected by cybercriminals because fraudsters automate most of their attacks.
The issue of computer and network security is paid a lot of attention in the most advanced countries in the world. For example, on May 29, 2009, the U.S. announced the creation of the White House Office of Cybersecurity. Therefore, we decided to remind you of the basic rules of cybersecurity, which, if followed, will help minimize risks. Even playing in the online casino India real money, you should be familiar with the security rules.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi network is a familiar way for everyone to access the Internet. You can almost always find an open Wi-Fi point nearby. At the same time, public Wi-Fi is often vulnerable because an intruder can easily access user traffic through it.
Try not to use public Wi-Fi; it is much safer to access the Internet via SIM card: distribute the network from a smartphone or connect a USB modem.
A password on a public Wi-Fi network also does not mean the web is safe. Attackers can easily find it out, create a fake network of the same name, and intercept the traffic of unsuspecting users. If no alternatives are available, the following rules should be followed when using public Wi-Fi:
- Set up a VPN and connect to a public Wi-Fi network only through it. As a rule, reliable VPNs with solid encryption are paid. The ratings and reviews on the Internet can help you choose a VPN. For example, according to PCMag magazine, the best VPNs on the market are NordVPN and Private Internet Access VPN. There are also VPN services with a freemium model, where a small amount of traffic is free – TunnelBear VPN, for example.
- When connecting via public networks, don’t give your card details. If you need to buy something in an online store, do it with Apple Pay or Google Pay, or pay with a courier when picking up your order.
- Minimize logins to social networks and corporate resources, as there’s a high risk that attackers can intercept logins, passwords, and personal data.
- The home Wi-Fi network is safer, but a few rules can help minimize the risk of hacking.
To keep yourself safe, change the default login/password combination when you set up your home Wi-Fi network that accesses your router’s settings menu – usually, the default is admin/admin.
Change the default name of your home Wi-Fi network “out of the box” so that attackers can’t find out the router’s manufacturer and pick up the appropriate exploit. Also, update the router firmware regularly since the manufacturer fixes the vulnerabilities.
Pay attention to the type of security the Wi-Fi hotspot uses: WEP is insecure, WPA2 is required, and WPA2 Enterprise is better. You can see this information in the properties of the Wi-Fi network connection.
Disable the WPS function in the router’s settings; otherwise, it makes it much easier to hack into your home Wi-Fi network.
For friends and acquaintances, create guest access to your Wi-Fi network to reduce the risk of connecting infected devices. In addition, IoT devices – smart kettles, smart bulbs, smart TV, etc. – should also be connected to Wi-Fi via guest access.
Attackers can use hacked email accounts to steal information, gain access to corporate resources, and Supply Chain attacks. One hacked employee’s email can be enough to cause a company to incur multi-million dollar losses.
How can you protect yourself?
- Set up two-factor authentication. Regularly check the active sessions in the account settings. It allows you to detect hacking attempts and prevent them from happening.
- Services that take care of the security of their customers can send unique codes not only via SMS but also via special applications such as Google Authenticator. Use the latter option if possible. Even if intruders can intercept your SMS messages, they won’t be able to access your accounts.
- Resources with a large number of users are regularly attacked to gain access to data. So check your email accounts for leaks.
Passwords
A password is a primary way to protect your data. The more complex it is, the more secure you are. That is why there are special requirements for setting a password:
- Each account has its password. Preferably not less than twelve characters, using letters of a different case, numbers, and special symbols. The best way to create passwords is to use a password generator.
- Use a password manager. Ratings, reviews, and reviews will help you choose a password manager.
- If you don’t trust password managers, there are several ways to create a strong password that is easy to remember. For example, make it out of the first letters of words from a poem passage, or make passphrase passwords that combine words in a character-place-object-action pattern.
- In addition to a password, set up two-factor authentication for all services which support this feature.
Think of strong passwords
It s one of the critical rules of cybersecurity. Passwords must consist of a complex combination of characters. Ensure a unique password for each service or site; never reuse them. Never share your passwords with anyone, don’t keep them written down on paper, and don’t enter them on third-party sites.
Take care of your security when making payment transactions
Do not access online banking or purchase online from other people’s devices or public networks. Otherwise, your banking information may be collected and stolen by cybercriminals.
Use antivirus
Antivirus programs help detect malicious software quickly and protect your computer from possible threats. Don’t forget to install antivirus software on your smartphone or tablet, mainly if you use it to make payments.
Back up your data
It will help you not only in case of a system failure on your device but also in case an encryption virus hits your computer. Repeat a backup repeatedly, so you don’t lose important information.
Be careful with the drives that connect to your device
Never touch a USB drive or device whose origin you do not know. They may be infected with malware that may not even be able to be formatted.
Use two-factor authentication
The more levels of security you use, the more confident you can bet that nothing will happen to your devices or data. Activate two-factor authentication on all accounts that support it.
Check your bank statements regularly
Check your payment history regularly. Online banking can help you do this. Monitor for suspicious activity, notify your bank immediately if necessary, change your password, and ensure you’ve applied all available security measures. If you are a customer of online casino real money India, you can contact the institution’s manager.
Don’t click on suspicious attachments, links, and banners
Also, pay attention to the spelling of the URL. Phishing sites often mimic the interfaces of banks and online stores by replacing just one or a few characters in the link. In addition, malicious domains often contain complex character combinations or spelling errors.
Protect yourself from spam
To do this, first, give your primary email address only to people and companies you trust. Do not fill out unnecessary forms asking for your email address. If you do receive spam, flag it to help your email provider block spam more effectively in the future. It is also a good idea to disable the automatic loading of graphic HTML files in incoming mails.