With the widespread use of smartphones, computers and the internet, our digital security has become a little more important than ever before. So much so that even though we are in 2022, we can fall into very simple traps of hackers. While this sometimes causes us to lose our account on a social media platform, sometimes we even lose our money. So what should be done to ensure digital security and protect from hackers?
The FBI, the US National Security Agency (NSA), the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and a group of cybersecurity experts from the UK, New Zealand, Netherlands, and Canada, are advisory for casual users. prepared a guide. This guide shows some of the things we can do to protect ourselves from hackers. If you wish, let’s take a closer look at that guide without further ado.
10 points to consider in order to be protected from hackers
- Do not neglect multi-factor authentication
- Permissions granted to applications and services needs to be checked
- Do not use vendor-supplied default settings with outdated software
- If possible, do not use VPN. And beware if you use it
- Importance of using strong and unique passwords
- Cloud services are not as secure as expected
- Beware of open ports and misconfiguration
- Phishing don’t fall victim
- Ensure endpoint security
Don’t neglect multi-factor authentication
. According to the statements made by CISA, the first target of hackers is users who keep the security level low. Therefore, if you want to be protected from hackers, you should not neglect multi-factor authentication services.
The permissions given to applications and services need to be checked
Sometimes we give permissions to use applications we install on our smartphones and sometimes to use various web services. The prepared guide states that this is very important to ensure cyber security. According to cyber security experts, if applications or services are given incorrect or unnecessary permissions, it may be easier for hackers to infiltrate those applications or services. That’s why you need to be careful.
Do not use default settings provided by vendors with outdated software
According to cyber security experts and US officials, software used regardless of computer or smartphone should always be up-to-date. must be kept. However, the use of default usernames and passwords that vendors provide to customers also makes it easier for hackers to work. According to the NSA, no default settings should be used for any network or service.
If possible, do not use a VPN. If you are using it, pay attention to the following
According to the statements made by CISA, VPN services that have become popular are not sufficiently protected against unauthorized access. That’s why it’s better not to use VPN services. However, according to experts, there are a few things that need to be done if using a VPN is required. The first is to use a VPN with multi-factor authentication. Another method is to use the VPN with a firewall. According to experts, using VPN sparingly will help protect from hackers.
The importance of using strong and unique passwords
Cyber security experts point to the use of strong passwords as one of the ways to protect themselves from hackers. Moreover, having a strong password alone is not enough. Setting a single password for the internet world increases the risk, even if the password is strong. Therefore, it is stated that different passwords should be used in different media.
Cloud services are not as secure as predicted
The guide, which included a study by a company called Palo Alto Networks, states that 99 percent of cloud services have a very serious problem. According to the research, permissions used in cloud services increase the likelihood of hackers infiltrating devices.
Beware of open ports and misconfiguration
Sometimes we can open ports for devices connected to a network. While this is usually exceptional, for some systems it is a must. Here’s the latest report, which says that a lot of attention should be paid at this point. Because opening the wrong port for a device can play into the hands of hackers. On the other hand, configurations need to be checked for all devices that connect to the internet via a modem.
Don’t fall victim to phishing
One of the simplest methods used by hackers is phishing attacks. This attack method, which we see mostly in incoming e-mails, has hurt countless people to date. Cybersecurity experts say users need to be on the lookout for phishing. So how will this happen? It is possible to explain in the simplest way: Make sure that the websites you enter are marked as safe, take a quick look at the url of the site. Also, check the sender’s address on incoming e-mails. If there is already a problem, you can easily understand it.
Ensure endpoint security
The last of the issues in the guide is about ensuring endpoint security, which is more of a concern to companies. “Endpoint” means all devices on a network. All devices connected to the internet, from pos devices to printers… At this point, companies need to pay attention and ensure endpoint security. Otherwise, if a single device is exposed to a cyber attack, it will be too late for all devices of that company.
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