Cybersecurity Measures to Protect your PC from Threats

Cybersecurity Measures to Protect your PC from Threats, read full review.

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The introduction of new threats each day in cyberspace has every stakeholder on high alert. On the news, we see everyday reports of systems getting hacked, malware infections, phishing attacks, and so on. According to the AV-Test Institute, at least 350,000 new malicious software programs get introduced to the internet each day.

The Pandemic, the Internet, and Cybercrimes

In previous years, this fact would have commanded a medium level of attention. However, due to the pandemic and lockdown measures being enforced in countries around the world, employees have gone remote. Reliance on the World Wide Web is at an all-time high, with even elderly people using it for certain functions.

Just like a predator capitalizes on the mistake of its prey, hackers are using this opportunity to steal data from PCs. A big percentage of employees that are working from home have no idea of cybersecurity. Hackers realize this fact and are increasingly utilizing various techniques to steal information from workers worldwide.

In May 2020, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, FBI, reported that hacks had increased by at least 9 times. What’s worse, individuals are not the only ones targeted. Firms have increasingly been attacked by ransomware in recent times. According to TechRepublic, more than 4 in 10 businesses over the globe have been attacked.

Honda, the vehicle manufacturing company reported a ransomware attack in June 2020. More publicized was the Twitter account hack of celebrities and companies.

Ways through which your PC can get Hacked

1. Phishing

This hacking technique makes use of emails and SMS messages to trick a person into giving out data. It involves the hacker sending a website link to deceive the potential victim.

For instance, if a hacker wants to breach a firm’s privacy, the hacker can try to phish an employee. The worker who thinks the email is automated or is from the company’s tech team clicks the land. Once the page is loaded, it looks like the firm’s online workplace even though it is a fake website address linked to the hacker.

Immediately the employee inserts the login details, the cybercriminal gets a hold of it. This way, all data on the employee’s account can be accessed. 

2. Ransomware Attack

Ransomware attacks when successful can lead to a huge payout for a hacker. Firms and individuals almost always pay hackers when they get infected with ransomware. 

This is because ransomware hackers can delete all the data on a victim’s PC. The victim would also be unable to access anything on the system. Targeted ransomware attacks can lead to payouts ranging from a few thousand to millions of dollars.

Payment to the hackers is usually made in cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Monero.

3. Wi-Fi Attacks

Some PC users download security tools to protect their data offline. However, they pay no attention to the privacy of online data.

Cyber attackers capitalize on this by breaching public Wi-Fi networks and spying on the activities of devices connected to them. A single hacking session on public Wi-Fi can lead to a hacker getting several login credentials to email, social media, and internet banking accounts.

Cybersecurity Measures to Utilize for your PC

1. Start Clicking the ‘Update Now’ Button

This tip is associated with updating software on your device. When many individuals see a software update pop-up, they click ‘Remind me Later’.

While this seems convenient in terms of continuing your activity and saving data, it endangers your PC. Several cyber threats can be avoided just by clicking on the update button. 

Hackers constantly work around the clock to find vulnerabilities in a software’s code. Once it’s found, it becomes exploited and used to introduce malware to a victim’s device. In 2017, what people refer to as the attack on the internet was caused by ransomware as a result of outdated systems.

Update all your software straight away as they become available. The software in this context covers your operating system, PC apps, and plug-ins.

2.Activate your PC Firewall

Just like rejecting software updates, several PC users turn off their firewalls because of pop-ups. This is akin to selling your guard dog because it barks too much.

In truth, a firewall is a security guard designed to restrict suspicious data packets from entering your device. Anything strange gets stopped by your firewall, resulting in strengthened protection of your PC.

Activate the firewall on your computer to prevent malicious software. You can also get a hardware firewall for added protection.

3. Download a Network Security Tool

To protect your data when it’s in transit on the internet, you need a network security tool. The most efficient and all-rounded tool is a Virtual Private Network.

This network security tool sends your internet traffic via a server of your choice. This server can be in any location in the world, depending on your choice. In practical terms, if you’re connected to hacked public Wi-Fi and you’re using a VPN, while others could get their information stolen, yours stays protected.

Downloading a VPN on your device also increases your online anonymity. This happens when your IP address gets spoofed when you connect to a VPN server. 

4. Two-Factor Authentication Activation

Two-factor authentication is designed to keep intruders out of your account. It serves as an extra password after your initial password has been fixed. It can be in the form of a code or biometric analysis.

Let’s assume you get phished and the cybercriminal has your username and password. If two-factor authentication is activated on that account, the hacker would be unable to login. This is because that extra passcode or verification needed would not be available, rendering your login credentials useless to the hacker.

Final Thoughts

Cyber-attacks have become the order of the day with reports being made frequently. Hackers with sophisticated techniques like phishing, Wi-Fi attacks, and ransomware, are breaching devices and networks.

If you want to protect your PC from getting hacked, you need to take some necessary steps. Activate two-factor authentication, download a VPN, update your programs frequently, and enable your PC’s firewall.