You may think you have a solid cybersecurity plan in place. We use strong passwords and protections such as VPNs and firewalls. However, even the strongest shield can sometimes be dented.
It’s hard to remember all the settings you’ve adjusted and passwords you’ve created over the years. Use this as a reminder to make some changes now to protect yourself.
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1. Use the same PIN as your bank on your phone’s lock screen
I don’t want to remember a lot of code. It’s easy to forget, so keep it simple and reuse the same PIN.
Don’t give in to temptation! It can lead you to financial ruin. Imagine you’re relaxing at a coffee shop and open your phone. Someone standing behind you could notice your code, write it down, and start using it to access your bank account within minutes.
To protect yourself, use a different PIN. If you have trouble remembering everything, consider a password manager.
This photo illustration shows a mobile phone’s passcode security screen. (Photo credit: STR/NurPhoto, Getty Images)
2. Keep Bluetooth on 24/7
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology that works similarly to Wi-Fi and cellular networks, but performs simpler tasks over shorter distances. Bluetooth does not require a cellular signal or network connection and uses no data.
Like Wi-Fi networks and other connections, Bluetooth has vulnerabilities. To hijack your phone using Bluetooth, the hacker or scammer has to be near you, but in a public place, you can be at arm’s length from a stranger.
There are several ways to disable Bluetooth on your iPhone.go to setting > bluetooth and switch it off.you can also Swipe down Tap from the top right of the screen to open the control center, Bluetooth icon.
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You can follow the same steps on your Android smartphone. setting > connected device > Connection settings > bluetooth and switch it off. (Note: Steps vary depending on your phone model. If these steps don’t match your phone, look for or search for Bluetooth.)
3. Leave your Wi-Fi network or router unsecured
Few things make cybercriminals salivate more than an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. If it feels particularly malicious, it may use your network to attack your gadget. What about stealing personal information?
You may also download dangerous files or visit illegal websites through your router.
4. If you click unsubscribe in response to spam
If it’s a reputable company, clicking “unsubscribe” should do the trick. If you’re receiving newsletters or promotional emails from brands you know, they’re usually subject to email marketing regulations. Now, hit the unsubscribe button.
(Photo by Peter Daisley/Getty Images)
What if it’s unsolicited spam from an unknown sender? Clicking “unsubscribe” could actually make things worse. You may accidentally verify that your email address is valid, leading to further spam. If it’s a random email about a long-lost prince or a miracle cure, avoid the unsubscribe link. Mark the email as spam in your email client.
5. Click on ads and download files from random sites
This is an easy way to damage your computer. If you see something you like in an ad, we recommend that you don’t click on it. We recommend going to the search bar and visiting the brand website itself. There, search for items in your ad.
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Sure, it requires a few extra steps, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. After all, it’s very easy for cybercriminals to create malicious ads. They may even pretend to be a genuine company to get you off guard.
Therefore, you should not click on an ad, even if it looks safe and legal. Instead, find the source yourself.
The man looks at the computer. (Cyberguy.com)
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