Cybercriminals rely on the continuous evolution of technology to be able to steal without having to break into someone’s home. Here are five mistakes to avoid so that you are never an easy target and stay alert.
1. Weak and vulnerable passwords
The first line of defense for private and business computer systems and devices are passwords, PINs (Personal Identification Numbers), and other numeric and letter-based codes. However, believe it or not, the passwords with the numbers in consecutive order: 123456789 have been and continue to be the most popular, year after year.
In the past, all its variants occupied five places in the top 10 of the worst passwords. Not to mention passwords with the terms as: ‘password’ and ‘qwerty’ + six consecutive letters of the keyboard.
It is because of these types of keys that a good cybercriminal can very quickly crack an estimated two-thirds of all passwords in existence today. Therefore, use complex passwords that combine numbers, letters, and symbols of the keyboard; and of course, never use the same one for different accounts. If you have no idea how to create one, there are desktop and mobile apps that can help you generate, manage, and save them.
2. Lazy or gullible email practices
It is fictitious that the bank asks you by mail to start your internet banking session or enter or update your bank account information. It is also not true that you won the Powerball prize, and they will notify you online. Despite repeated warnings about reacting mindlessly to emails or texts like these asking you to click on malicious links, people still fall for it.
Don’t be another victim: Don’t fall for sudden job offers or investment opportunities that are too good to be true. Use common sense and do the proper research to protect yourself. For example:
– If it looks or sounds too good to be true, it probably isn’t.
– If it looks or seems suspicious, verify its origin by contacting the alleged sender by phone, in person, or by some other means.
– If the message was unsolicited, do not click on any of the links it contains, nor open any attachments.
– Do not react with your emotions, as these messages are designed to appeal to your sense of fear, urgency, enthusiasm, or greed.
– Stop and think.
3. Giving information without thinking
In this age of the social media platform and apps, many of us reveal intimate or specific details about our personal and work lives. Therefore, avoid giving this type of information. Criminals can combine your data from your social media profiles, websites you appear on, and many other sources to help them complete digital identities, transaction records, or financial profiles.
4. Save payment information
When you buy online and register your credit card(s), this data is stored there. Ask yourself, how many retailers have you saved your payment information to? For this reason, before buying and whenever possible, browse the stores of your choice as a guest instead of creating an account. Just enter your credit card information when you’re about to pay.
5. Pay with a debit card or multiple credit cards
Many people shop online with a debit card or multiple credit cards. For both cases, if a cybercriminal obtains the information of one or more of your credit cards, you could be temporarily without any payment method except cash. So, it is better to designate only one credit card for your online purchases.
