Though there are a lot of advantages of living in today’s digital age, one of the biggest disadvantages is the safety and privacy risks that come with it.
From scammers sending texts and emails to try to trick you, to social media sites putting some of your most personal information on a public platform, it’s crucial that you’re up to date with some of today’s cybersecurity tips and tricks. In order to keep yourself safe, read more about four cybersecurity mistakes tech pros suggest you stop making below.
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1. Using The Same Password For Every Platform
Using the same password across multiple accounts might be convenient, but cybersecurity experts warn that it can put all of your information at risk. If one account is compromised, hackers could potentially use those same login details to access your other accounts.
"Do not make the mistake of using the same password for every platform, and of skipping two-factor authentication!" says online safety expert Lital Carter Rosenne. "A trusted password manager can help deal with the many passwords which you should be juggling, as opposed to a single password. Two-factor authentication is annoying to set up, but it is definitely worth it for the security benefits it provides."
2. Ignoring Software Updates
Putting off software updates can leave your smartphone vulnerable to security flaws that hackers may already know how to exploit. Experts recommend installing updates when they become available, since they often include important security patches in addition to new features.
"People postpone smartphone updates because their phone seems to be working perfectly fine," notes cybersecurity engineer Kevin Mukam. "But updates are not only about new features. They contain security patches for vulnerabilities that attackers may be able to exploit."
3. Clicking Links From Unknown Users
A link from an unfamiliar number, email address, or social media account could be more dangerous than it looks. Cybercriminals often use convincing messages and fake links to trick people into handing over passwords, financial information, or other sensitive data.
"Some are too quick to click links in text messages from unknown users, especially if they appear to be legitimate requests from financial institutions or other companies," adds Rosenne. "SMS messages about a missed delivery, an unpaid fee, or a locked bank account are among the most common scams right now."
4. Trusting Random QR Codes
QR codes can make it easy to open a website or access information, but users shouldn't automatically trust every code they encounter. Scammers can use malicious QR codes to send people to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal information or payment details.
"QR codes have become so common that most people scan them without thinking twice," explains Mukam. "The problem is that you cannot easily see where a QR code is taking you before scanning it, and attackers can use malicious QR codes to redirect users to fake login pages, payment websites, or other malicious sites. My advice is simple: pause, verify, act. I advocate for these 3 words a lot."
