Surprising predictions part 4

 7 Ways to Protect Your Devices from Cyber Attacks

There’s no denying that today’s digital world relies on computers and smart devices. In fact, the World Economic Forum estimated that there will be 200 billion interconnected devices worldwide by the year 2020, which will only continue to increase as time goes on and technology improves. Unfortunately, this also means there are more vulnerabilities than ever when it comes to cyber attacks and data breaches. If you want to protect your devices from cyber attacks, here are 7 ways to do so!

1) Update your device regularly

Updating your device regularly is the best way to ensure it remains protected against cyber attacks. If you do not update your device, hackers will find vulnerabilities and exploits that allow them remote access. These security breaches can cause all sorts of problems, such as accessing your personal data, or a complete wipe of the computer. Update at least once a month for best results. When updating your device, make sure you check out the installation instructions. Be wary of any messages asking for permissions on installing updates- they are typically malicious. Install anti-virus software: Anti-virus software has been crucial in preventing viruses and malware from infiltrating devices. It scans every time an app is downloaded to your system, making sure it does not contain harmful code before allowing it into the operating system. Install reputable anti-virus software with a high reputation and low false positives, which are alerts about virus detection that turns out to be fake ones (Henceforth referred to as FPS). Run regular scans: Keeping up with regular scans is one of the most effective ways to make sure no malware infiltrates your system without you knowing about it! Make sure you use reputable anti-virus software with a good reputation and low false positives rates. Keep your privacy settings tight: 

The default privacy settings might seem like enough protection, but unfortunately this isn't always the case. Hackers have found ways to exploit these weaknesses by spying on users through video recording, listening in on conversations through microphones and using cameras to take pictures of people's screens while they're typing passwords etc. The more locked down your privacy settings are, the safer you'll be. Make backups often: Backs up provide invaluable peace of mind when disaster strikes! They also protect against ransomware which encrypts files until ransom money is paid. To make backup copies of files, either back up onto external hard drives or purchase a cloud storage service that automatically uploads files as soon as they are changed. Encrypt your drives: By encrypting hard drives and external disks, this prevents anyone who tries to steal it from getting unauthorized access. Encryption keeps our data safe from would-be attackers because even if someone manages to break the encryption, there would be nothing left on the drive to steal! Install firewalls and antivirus programs for work computers: Firewalls block suspicious incoming connections so hackers cannot gain unauthorized access to computers across the network. Having an antivirus program installed will help stop viruses and other types of malware from infecting the computer. Once installed, be sure to run regular checks to make sure everything is running smoothly. This applies to personal computers too! Don't open suspicious emails or download anything if you're unsure. Use caution when browsing sites: There are many sites available on the internet that don't require authentication, meaning login information isn't required to browse them. While this may sound great for convenience, it also means these sites could harbor harmful code that can easily infect your device without notice.

2) Install Antivirus Software

Protecting your computer, laptop, tablet or other device against viruses is essential in this era of social media. Antivirus software helps you avoid malware such as adware and spyware that can infect your devices and harm the sensitive information on them. Make sure you have antivirus software installed before connecting your device to a public Wi-Fi network for use at the airport, café or library. To be extra safe, make sure the antivirus program scans any downloaded files before opening them. Avoid clicking on suspicious links. If someone sends you an email asking for personal information, delete it without opening it. Even if it seems harmless, malware programs could cause irreparable damage to your data. Avoid installing software from unfamiliar sources or downloading unknown attachments from emails; these are common ways to spread malicious software. And do not open attachments with extensions you do not recognize. Do not share passwords! No one should know your password for accessing email, banking websites, social networking sites, etc. Be aware of phishing scams: Email messages from supposedly legitimate businesses may try to steal personal information by impersonating real companies or individuals. For example, they might say they need help logging into their account but really want the password so they can access financial details stored there. When in doubt about whether a message is legitimate or fake, don't click on any links or reply to the message — instead contact the company directly through its website's customer service portal (or call their customer service number). 

Even more importantly than installing antivirus software: Practice good habits like updating operating systems and applications when prompted. Be careful what you download and install - even if the app looks legit, it could be a clone containing malware. Don't click on ads for free products or prizes in games because these apps often contain hidden downloads which can lead to serious consequences. Never give out your credentials unless you're 100% certain who sent them because giving away login information makes accounts vulnerable to hacking attempts. Avoid using the same username and password across multiple accounts to limit the damage if one is compromised. Enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, which requires additional steps before granting access to an account. Turn off geolocation services when not needed to protect privacy and prevent GPS tracking in case of loss or theft. Delete old social media posts with personal information after verifying what’s been shared publicly – especially photos that show where you live, work, or spend time.

A very important security measure worth mentioning: Keep your device’s software up-to-date! Updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers exploit via WiFi networks or USB connections.

3) Password protect your devices

Setting up strong passwords is a good first step. However, you will also want to make sure that your smartphone is password protected so that people can't access anything on it remotely. You can do this by enabling the passcode or fingerprint security on your phone. You may also want to consider enabling Find My iPhone in order to protect your device if it's lost or stolen as this would allow you locate the device, remotely lock it and eventually delete all of its data if no one responds after a number of attempts. This may not work for all devices but generally should work with Apple products such as iPhones, iPads and Mac computers. For other brands of smartphones and tablets, check their support site for information about how to enable find my device. If you have any documents stored electronically on your computer, make sure they are encrypted so that anyone who might have physical access to your computer won't be able to read them. You can encrypt individual files or folders on Windows 7, 8 and 10 by right-clicking them and selecting Encrypt; then enter a password when prompted. On Mac OS X 10.6+ select File > Encrypt Disk Image... then enter a password when prompted. Make sure your computer is always using HTTPS: When you browse the internet, make sure that it uses an HTTPS connection rather than HTTP. You'll know if you're browsing securely because there will be a small padlock icon at the bottom of your browser window (usually next to where it says https://). HTTPS protects against third parties intercepting information like credit card numbers and passwords while in transit. It's more secure than HTTP because HTTP sends everything unencrypted over the internet while HTTPS only sends sensitive information that way. Be careful what you share online: Think before sharing personal details or photos online - especially those containing sensitive personal information like bank account numbers and social security numbers - as cybercriminals often target these things for identity theft scams. Try not to use public WiFi hotspots unless absolutely necessary. Lastly, make sure you backup your data periodically - either through cloud storage or onto a separate hard drive - in case something happens to your computer and the data is lost. These seven tips are just a few ways to keep your devices safe from cyber attacks. There are many more precautions that can be taken depending on what type of device you own and how much risk you're willing to take. The best thing to do is to try out different safety measures until you find the ones that feel comfortable for you! If you need help deciding, research a few options and ask a tech expert. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what feels most comfortable for you.

4) Keep Personal Information Private

It is always good practice to be cautious of your identity when dealing with large corporations and government institutions. At the same time, it is also necessary for companies, stores, restaurants and other organizations that we deal with on a daily basis to protect us and our personal information. A few simple steps can go a long way in helping you maintain your privacy while enjoying the convenience of going about your life. The first step should be ensuring that you are keeping all personal information private- some of which may seem like no big deal but could eventually lead an intruder back to your social media profiles and other online accounts, allowing them unauthorized access. Be careful not to share sensitive data such as phone numbers, passwords or bank account numbers by using common words or phrases in public places (like coffee shops) or via email, chat rooms or social media platforms. 

Another important way to keep your devices safe is by installing anti-virus software and/or anti-malware software onto each device that has internet access. 

Some people opt for strong encryption software that locks away their files and requires a password before they can be accessed. Encryption will help prevent criminals from accessing your files even if they gain physical possession of the device. 

The final step involves backing up your data; this will help ensure any lost data can easily be restored should something happen to one of your devices or another party attempts to steal it. The many ways to protect your digital life cannot guarantee complete safety, but following these 7 tips will certainly help reduce the risk of cyberattacks. Remember to keep your devices protected against viruses and malware by downloading antivirus software, enable a screensaver that requires a password after every 5 minutes of non-use, and use strong encryption software on devices with sensitive information. Take precautions against thieves by creating regular backups of your device’s data and store those backups offline, preferably at home where there is less chance of being stolen.

5) Update your apps

The best way to protect your phone is by keeping your apps updated. This can be done on the iPhone by clicking on Settings and selecting General and then selecting Software Update. For the Android, go into the device's settings and click on Check for Updates.

Make sure you always use a strong password (ones that include letters, numbers, and symbols) so only those who know it can access your devices. The best way to do this is by using something different for each account (avoid using 123456 as your password for everything). Set up two-factor authentication with a service like Google or Apple when signing up with a new online service, and make sure you don't share your passwords with others. Don't download anything sketchy: Avoid downloading any app that asks for personal information in order to function, such as asking for permissions to access your contacts. Don't click links in emails: Don't open attachments if they are unfamiliar because they could contain malware or viruses. Make sure you're running an antivirus program: There are many free options available these days, such as Avast Antivirus. Install updates regularly: Look at your device's software update screen (iPhone users should check their Settings>General menu) and install any pending updates that might have been released recently—even if they're optional ones. 

The most important thing is making sure your device has an anti-virus app installed, which will help prevent threats from getting through security checks. These apps are essential because they provide real-time protection against malware, which usually can't be detected until after infection. These applications also automatically identify and remove existing threats without user intervention. You should also backup your data on a regular basis in case of data loss, including setting automatic backups of your photos and videos on social media sites like Facebook. Finally, never forget to install all software updates; otherwise you'll leave yourself vulnerable to vulnerabilities that have already been patched in newer versions of the operating system. If there are any problems encountered during installation, just perform a hard reset before turning the device back on.

Doing this every day helps prevent infections from occurring before you even notice them happening! Always keep your antivirus programs up to date. Free programs such as Avast offer features that not only protect your device but also work to eliminate known bugs and stop future threats before they occur. Many people don't realize how easy it is for cybercriminals to steal confidential information, monitor behavior, and track movements via our mobile devices. We may take precautions in other areas of our lives but often neglect our digital health! One way we can stay safe is by being diligent about what we choose to download on our mobile devices. I would recommend avoiding downloads from questionable sources because the potential risks far outweigh the possible benefits.

6) Avoid Phishing Scams

Phishing scams can be tricky because they seem very legitimate. Usually, a scammer will send you an email that looks like it is from a trusted source, prompting you to login and share personal information. Don't fall for it! It is crucial that you don't click links or fill out forms in these emails as this can lead to malware being installed on your device or phishing sites being created with your information. If you are unsure about the legitimacy of the sender, go directly to the website using a search engine. Scammers may also use social media to ask users for private information by sharing a link or posting something enticing. Be sure not to provide any sensitive data, such as passwords or social security numbers. Avoid Free Wi-Fi: These hotspots offer free internet access but can pose major risks. Hackers will often set up free networks so they can access your devices without detection. If you do decide to connect to one of these networks, make sure to turn off file transfers and protect yourself with antivirus software before logging in. Remember - just because the Wi-Fi network has a name does not mean it's safe! A hacker could have made their own Wi-Fi network called Starbucks or Local Starbucks, which may look trustworthy. Only trust public Wi-Fi networks if you know who owns them and how secure they are. Delete Unused Apps: Have you downloaded an app and then never used it? Make sure to delete unused apps because these might have vulnerabilities or bugs in them that could be exploited by hackers. Make Updates Regularly: Updates patch vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit, so make sure you update your operating system regularly and install updates as soon as possible when prompted. Install Antivirus Software: You should always have antivirus software running on your device; it helps prevent malicious activity (like viruses) from getting onto your device while blocking suspicious programs trying to steal private information. However, not all antivirus software is created equal. Check reviews and see what other people say about each one before purchasing anything. Educate Yourself About Basic Web Security Measures: There are many things we take for granted online. For example, entering your birthday as 01/01/01 instead of January 1st, 2001 might save you some time entering a password every time you sign into an account, but doing so makes it much easier for someone else to get into your account without having to try many different combinations. Furthermore, keeping common accounts like Gmail or Yahoo open on the screen at all times is dangerous because other people can easily spy on the screen and read anything that appears there. This can include usernames, passwords, and even your credit card information. The best thing to do is close those windows and log out from the account. Always remember that strong passwords are essential. Create a strong password for your device that is difficult to guess, and change it periodically. Finally, check the authenticity of websites before providing personal information on the site or making purchases. Know the site's security seal and whether or not they're verified by organizations like VeriSign or Norton as these groups have strict guidelines for webmasters to follow.

7) Install Firewalls

Firewalls are a first line of defense against viruses, malware, and intrusions. These devices operate in various ways but all protect against network-based attacks by acting as a gatekeeper that prevents malicious traffic entering or leaving the device or system. Once installed, they should always be enabled and regularly updated with the latest security fixes. 

There are three main types of firewalls; packet filters, circuit level gateways, and application gateways. All firewalls have vulnerabilities which can be exploited by clever hackers who use clever tricks; so patches should be applied swiftly when new threats become known. And it is not enough to install just one firewall because there may be loopholes between them which can leave your system exposed. It is important to keep your personal information secure by locking down your system. Get free antivirus software: Install free antivirus software on every device you own. Be sure to update this software often, using the most up-to-date virus definitions available. Beware of phishing scams: Stay safe online by avoiding opening emails containing links or attachments sent from unknown sources. The internet is full of dangerous webpages and ads that can harm your computer without you even knowing it. If something looks suspicious delete it! Do not open it. Use strong passwords: Don't use simple passwords like 123456, use complex passwords that are hard to guess and difficult to crack. Educate Yourself on Security Threats: Read blogs about cyber security such as ours for tips on how to stay safe online. Utilize these 7 steps and protect yourself from cyber attacks today! 

There are three main types of firewalls; packet filters, circuit level gateways, and application gateways. All firewalls have vulnerabilities which can be exploited by clever hackers who use clever tricks; so patches should be applied swiftly when new threats become known. And it is not enough to install just one firewall because there may be loopholes between them which can leave your system exposed. It is important to keep your personal information secure by locking down your system. Get free antivirus software on every device you own. Be sure to update this software often, using the most up-to-date virus definitions available.

Keep your PC's settings in order by changing default settings (such as automatic updates) and choose strong passwords for any accounts you set up. Educate yourself on potential security threats through blog posts like this one and ensure your home WiFi router has a strong password protection feature too.