There’s a lot of talk out there about cybersecurity that you probably already know. Complex passwords are important, especially for accounts that contain sensitive personal information, and you may know to stay away from public Wi-Fi. This is a good start, but there are tips from hackers that go much deeper that can ensure you stay safe online:
- You may not be encrypting what you should
- Seemingly harmless devices can provide an access point to steal your data
- Your passwords on easy sites matter
- Don’t leave your Wi-Fi On
- Facebook Isn’t Safe
SCYTHE moves beyond just assessing vulnerabilities. It facilitates the evolution from Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) to Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs).
You May Not Be Encrypting What You Should
You may have heard of encryption before. Some encryption is being done automatically, but chances are, you aren’t encrypting what you should. For example, instead of focusing on encrypting your activity on the internet, you should also focus on encrypting the home directory on your computer, as that’s where most of your personal and professional files reside. You may also have to worry about encrypting the swap space, which is what is utilized when a Linux system is running out of RAM.
The more you can encrypt, the less likely hackers are to be able to get ahold of your personal information. It may take a little bit of time, but it’s well-worth it to go through your computer and your mobile devices, encrypting everything from your home directory to your text messages.
Seemingly Harmless Devices Can Provide an Access Point to Steal Your Data
Hackers love getting direct access to computers. You probably know that they can get a lot from cell phones and tablets too, but did you know there are other seemingly harmless devices that can be hacked?
Just a few other devices that can compromise your data and make your life miserable include:
- Bluetooth headsets
- Baby monitors
- Smart TVs
- Security systems
- Voice-activated speakers
- Thermostats
- Garage door openers
- Smart cars
Hackers can spy on you through devices like baby monitors and wreak havoc by adjusting the thermostat, but these devices can also provide hackers with an access point to get ahold of other information. For example, if your Bluetooth device is connected to your cell phone, a hacker can access it, manipulate it, and steal your data.
Your Passwords on Easy Sites Matter
You know passwords are important. You would never dream of choosing an easy password for your bank account or a patient portal at your doctor’s office, but those aren’t the only passwords that matter.
Passwords for easy sites matter, like websites where you have accounts to read articles, create designs, clubs, and more. Hackers like to access these sites and learn important information about you, like your email address and your full name, that can make hacking into another account easier. For example, armed with your email address, a hacker can request a password change and access the code through your email to change your password on an another, more important website.
Don’t Leave Your Wi-Fi On
Public Wi-Fi is safer than it used to be, but that doesn’t mean every access point is safe. It’s still a good idea to avoid using public Wi-Fi, but you could be using it and not even know it.
If you leave Wi-Fi on your phone when you’re out and about, your phone will continue to try and connect to a Wi-Fi network. Even if you don’t use your phone, you could be connected to a network every time you go to a coffee shop, the grocery store, or even the gas station, providing hackers with a way to access your data. Do yourself a favor and only turn on your Wi-Fi when you’re about to use it.
Facebook Isn’t Safe
There are a lot of ways Facebook can be dangerous, but it turns out it’s more dangerous than you probably think. There are a lot of sneaky ways hackers can gain access to your information on this social media site.
Hackers can use shocking videos to get your attention so you will install media players, while taking a survey or a fun personality quiz may give them the permissions they need to install malware on your device. It’s more important than ever to be careful what you click on and who you talk to when you’re on Facebook.
There are a lot of great cybersecurity tips out there, but if you really want to get ahead of the curve when it comes to protecting your information, take these tips from hackers to heart.
