You may have covered over your webcam in fear of someone unbeknownst to you watching or refused to backup your iPhone to the cloud, just in case those files can be accessed by a third party. However, do you genuinely feel safe in this online world? Are your files entirely your own, and how easy is it really for someone to hack into your computer?
The NHS in England took a beating last year after a hacker started to block access to thousands of confidential files, demanding a ransom for their return. If a system as extensive and sensitive as that can be hacked – then what about your laptop at home.
As a society, we are extremely reliant on technology. Many people rely on it for their employment, banking, shopping, and storing sensitive, confidential and personal information. It may be time to reevaluate the wall your own technology is projecting to keep the hackers out.
Here are a few tips on how you can keep your files safe, and rest easy at night.
Password Protection On Files
This may seem obvious to some, however, the password and username login screen on your laptop will not be enough to keep a hacker out. This is really only handy if your laptop is lost, stolen, or left unattended in a public library or at work. If someone were to access your computer, they would be able to access your files almost immediately. It is essential that any files containing personal or sensitive information are locked by an extensive password. It must contain a mixture of capital and lowercase letters, symbols, and numbers to be classed as strong in this digital age. Make sure you don’t use the same password for everything also – always try to have a different password for every unauthorized access screen and login.
Never Store Passwords Or Bank Information
Many of us use a browser like Google Chrome that will give you the option to save any passwords, usernames and even bank information. The more you store, the less protected your device is. If someone is able to login to your account, they will have access to everything you do, as it is all stored and ready to upload at the click of a button. Even though it may be easier just to have the automatic fill in, it is easy for every potential hacker too. Err on the side of caution and never save any personal information to online accounts.
Have A Backup System
If you are hacked, then it is important you have a system that can bounce back from the magnitude of such an intrusion. Having a system in place like Infrascale cloud backup solutions or similar means any files lost or corrupted will be able to be restored. This is extremely important if your device is your livelihood – for example, you are self-employed, or work solely from a laptop at the office, or have access to extremely sensitive files. You will not have to pay any ransom fund, and the operation can be completed in a short amount of time.
Follow these simple tips, and you will be fully protected should anyone try and fail, or try and succeed, to hack your device. It is always better to be safe than sorry.