newYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The more we rely on our devices, the more vulnerable we become to attacks and fraud. Your smartphone is the primary target. Tap or click here for 3 ways to protect yourself from hackers.
It’s not just passwords and sensitive information that need to be protected. Think of all the photos and videos stored on your phone. Losing it would break your heart. Tap or click for the best way to save your phone photos before it’s too late.
Stopping cybercriminals starts with your attitude. You have to think like the bad guys. Here are his 5 smart ways and tips to protect your digital life right.
16th December 2021, Rottweil, Baden-Württemberg: Hacker software is opened on a laptop.
(Cyrus Stein/Picture Alliance)
4 quick cybersecurity steps everyone should take right now
1. “My job is easier with my old device.”
Security patches and system updates keep you safe from the latest hacks and bugs. Of course, hackers know that older devices are easy targets.
Most of us discard old smartphones before they become unsafe to use, but what about the rest of our smart devices?
That first-generation Amazon Echo you’re sitting around? It’s no longer safe. Hackers can access and record conversations. Of course, this is just an example.
Tap or click to see a list of Internet of Things smart devices that should be retired now.
Conclusion: Once your connected gadgets stop receiving updates, it’s time to say goodbye. This advice applies to security cameras, hard drives, smart plugs, routers, and even browsers.
Take it one step further: How to protect your security system from hackers.
2. “I’m much better than the hackers in the movies.”
Whenever a hacker in a movie tries to break into a system, that person just needs to type a series of characters to do so. It’s really that simple. I always say that password reuse is dangerous. Here’s why: Suppose he uses the same password on several sites and one of them is compromised.
Your login credentials are for sale on the dark web. Anyone who gets hold of your credentials will try the same username and password combination on other sites.
As such, sensitive information, private documents, and private conversations are in the hands of hackers. They use your account to send spam, scams, or phishing attempts directed at your contacts.
Conclusion: I’ve created dozens of accounts for sites and services I no longer use over the years. You might not think maintaining them is a big deal, but that’s what hackers rely on. Tap or click here for a site where you can easily find instructions to delete your old account.
A mother tweeted earlier this week that her Amazon Echo encouraged her 10-year-old daughter to do a dangerous “outlet challenge.” (iStock)
(iStock)
Take it one step further: 10 new rules for creating the best strong passwords.
3. “Hang out where there is free Wi-Fi.”
“This coffee shop has free Wi-Fi,” you think. Scammers use public Wi-Fi to spy on you and other unsuspecting users who join your network. These “honeypot” networks are designed to steal your information.
Do you check your bank account on free Wi-Fi at shops or airports? Criminals can take your login credentials and loot your account. For banking, stick to your phone’s apps and use your cell phone’s data connection when you’re on the go.
Conclusion: Protect yourself by turning on a virtual private network (VPN) if you must use a public connection. Tap or click here to stay safe and find free Wi-Fi anywhere.
Take it one step further: Change these router settings to prevent hackers from accessing your home network.
4. “Your family and friends are my best friends.”
The sad truth is, your family can leave you vulnerable to hackers. Friends share it with someone else. Before I knew it, the password for streaming was floating around.
When it comes to young people or the less tech-savvy people in your life, they may not find the red flags as much as you. Or it could lead to something worse.
Cybersecurity is a familiar issue. Share this article with people around you.
Conclusion: Creating separate logins is much more secure than sharing passwords. Tap or click here to see a list of services you can share with friends and family to save cash.
Take it one step further: Cybersecurity Check: See if someone is spying on your Gmail, Facebook or Netflix account.
Netflix executive Reed Hastings.
(Getty Images)
Privacy Tip: 5 Ways You’re Being Tracked
5. “Look for posts that show expensive shopping or vacations.”
When it comes to cybersecurity, we don’t care about sharing. Cybercriminals can see money signs in even seemingly harmless posts.
Please share your thoughts and memes online. But who needs to know about your expensive new watch or that nice vacation you’re on? Share these things with someone you trust in a private message.
Conclusion: Do not include personal information in your public profile. No one needs to see your phone number, email address or place of work. Tap or click to see social media mistakes many people make.
Take it one step further: 10 Facebook privacy and security settings you need to change right now.
maintain technical knowledge
My favorite podcast is “kim commando todayThis is 30 minutes of solid tech news, tips, and tech questions like yours from across the country. Click the link for
Podcast picks: Outlook Ads, Internet Hoaxes, Elon Musk Mars Warnings
Do you live in an area with crappy internet? Try this trick. Plus, the new version of MS Flight Simulator is amazing, and Outlook users won’t like big changes, the biggest pitfalls of using private mode, and smart digital life advice for callers like you. .
Find my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify or your favorite podcast player.
Search for my surname “Commando”.
What questions do you have about your digital lifestyle? Call Kim’s National Radio Show and Tap or click here to find out on your local radio station.
can hear and see kim commando show On your phone, tablet, TV, or computer. Or tap or click here for Kim’s free podcast.
Copyright 2022, WestStar Multimedia Entertainment. all rights reserved. As an Amazon Associate, you receive a small commission on qualifying purchases. Only products that I have confidence in recommending.
Learn about all the latest technologies kim commando show, the country’s largest weekend radio talk show. Kim answers the phone and, from her smartphone or tablet, Online privacy and data hacking.
For her daily tips, free newsletter, and more, visit her website. command dot com
