Keep this number in mind: 99 percent. That’s the percentage of all computers that are vulnerable to cyber attacks. If you have an internet connection—via computer, tablet or phone—you’re at risk for a cyber attack. Cyber crime is an ongoing international issue affecting businesses, government agencies, social media users and the average web user. Did you know: the estimated annual cost for cyber crime on a global scale is $100 billion dollars? Safeguard your business, bank accounts and personal information with the tips below.
Cyber Crime is on the Rise
Keep this number in mind: 99 percent. That’s the percentage of all computers that are vulnerable to cyber attacks. Cyber crime has steadily risen from 2013-2015 across the following seven countries: U.S.A., Germany, Japan, U.K., Brazil, Australia and Russia. Why is cyber crime so lucrative? First, there’s very low risk of getting caught which definitely adds to the appeal. The second reason is accessibility—you don’t have to be very smart or even own expensive equipment to pull off a cyber attack. Cyber criminals usually operate one of two ways: looking for holes in code (the result of bad programming), or looking for a weak link in a security system.
New Password Protection Rules
First, don’t use a password—use a passphrase. “HollyGoLightly” instead of just “Holly.” To make it even more secure, consider adding numbers and symbols. “HollyGoLightly$34&87.” Old advice taught us to change up our passwords as often as we could. However, the National Cyber Security Alliance now says it’s more important to set up a strong passphrase than to change a basic password on a more frequent basis.
In an attempt to curb cyber crime, major email and social networking sites have set up a two-step authentication process. This optional and strongly encouraged password setting requires a second step before allowing access into your private accounts. It works by sending an email to a backup account with a special code you must enter in addition to your password. A second option is to alert you via text message with a time sensitive passcode that must be entered to gain entry into your account.
Businesses and Social Media
We’re living in a technology era where social media is no longer optional for just “social” purposes. According to Wendy Stryker, a New York-based employment lawyer with Frankfurt Kurnit Klein + Selz, not having (or refusing to create) social media accounts could cost you a job. “If your job requires you to be the administrator of your company’s Facebook page, you need to have a Facebook account. If you don’t, it could possibly mean you don’t have the skills or inclination to do the job.”
So, what are your options when more than 600,000 Facebook accounts are jeopardized daily? For starters, turn geo-tagging off your social media, educate yourself on how past cyber attacks have looked and worked on social media platforms, and be on the lookout for suspicious-looking malware (“like-jacking,” “link-jacking,” “phishing,” and “social spam.”) Taking a vacation? Wait until you return to post pictures from your trip. Alerting “friends” to your absence from your normal routine could allow hackers to break into your bank accounts or home.
Invest in Supplemental AV Software
There’s plenty of free anti-virus (AV) programs available for your phone, laptop or tablet—and that’s great. However, installing a supplemental, paid AV solution accomplishes what a free program can’t do: protect your system proactively by scanning incoming and outgoing cyber threats, while also blocking access to hacker-controlled servers and keeping your data private. Additionally, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to connect to a private network. A VPN service protects a user’s online identity and activity, while keeping internet traffic and data encrypted—preventing a cyber attacker from seeing your data exchange.
Stay Informed!
The most important thing you can do about cyber security is to stay updated with news stories—when an attack is identified and information is released to the public, learn as much as you can about it. Don’t click on any strange links, always check the recipient of an email and the source of a message. Above all, keep your software and your operating system up-to-date at all times, and don’t store your confidential information (passwords, credit card information, location) on any websites.
The online world will continue to grow, and just like your life in real time, criminal activity will be present and you need to learn how to navigate it. Be aware, use common sense and take advantage of all the security options that are available to you.