5 Tricks to Ensure You Won’t Get Hacked!

• October 27th, 2016
Online Safety, PC security

With Halloween around the corner, cybercriminals are pulling out their biggest bag of tricks. Make sure that this Halloween brings you only the good kind of treats, staying far away from malicious tricks that are brewing up this Halloween season.

1. Download a Password Manager

Don’t store your passwords on a document on your computer or on a notes application on your phone. You need a secure place to store all of your passwords, and maybe even some help to generate stronger ones. Be sure to include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and punctuation marks. Change your passwords frequently and don’t use the same password for multiple accounts. Technically, you only need to remember one password, and that’s the one to your password manager. Some great options include Lastpass, Dashlane and 1password.

2. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPNs are used to assist less secure networks in creating an encrypted and more secure connection while using the internet. Using a VPN will help to avoid some dangers while using public wifi networks, since it reroutes your internet traffic through a middleman server. When using a VPN, all the data that you are sending and receiving becomes encrypted and secure from hackers. Some great VPN options include Private Internet Access, TorGuard, CyberGhost and NordVPN.

3. Keep an Eye on your Inbox

When you receive a suspicious email from an unknown sender, be sure not to click on the attachments or links they send you. Also, make sure you have anti-phishing protection so that if you open up an email that looks legitimate, you will easily be able to detect whether it was trustworthy or a phishing attempt. The ZoneAlarm anti-phishing solution scans all websites before you insert any personal information, and will alert you whether the website is safe or a phishing attempt. Having anti-phishing protection allows you to browse, shop and bank online with confidence that your personal information is protected.

4. Protect your Identity While on Public Wifi Networks

Free wifi can be very tempting, but you should think twice about making financial transactions or checking your email while using an unsecured public wifi network, at coffee shops, hotel lobbies and airports. If you need to use a public network, it’s better to ensure you’re using a VPN to secure your personal data.

5. Always Keep your Devices Updated

Software updates on your computers, tablets and phones enhance your device functionality and will improve your security. Staying up-to-date ensures that you’re equipped with the latest software version with the right patches to fix potential security vulnerabilities.

BONUS HALLOWEEN TRICK!

6. Watch out for Halloween Related Video Links and Rogue Applications

During Halloween season, the number of searches for Halloween related topics, like costume and pumpkin carving ideas are at its peak. Cybercriminals create their own webpages that showcase Halloween related videos that first require you to update your Flash Player. This link is meant to infect your computer with malware, giving hackers complete control over your computer and your personal information. The best ways to avoid tricks like these are to be sure download from only reputable websites, and to ensure that your antivirus software is updated.

Use these 6 tricks to ensure you’re protected against spooky hackers this Halloween season!