Did you know that IT strategy-approach- is focused on data protection, systems, encryption, and processes? This is according to Marc Fischer, CTO of Dogtown Media LLC. Marc implies that the ultimate reliance on technology calls for improved cyber security to prevent users’ data from being accessed by malicious attackers.
When you visit a website and download files, you enable certain settings that can lead to a breach of your personal information. Today, users rely on their gadgets in terms of data storage. Most website users have also optimized their sites to ask for personal information before you download any data.
Despite being based on data encryption, IT strategy is often compromised by human-related errors. End users end up downloading malware to their gadgets without checking the legitimacy of the involved files. Digital marketing firms are left with no other option but to train staff on data protection and cyber security. Here are 5 browsing practices that could be leaving your data vulnerable to hackers.
Out-of-date Software
According to Roytman Michael (Chief Officer, Kenna security), outdated software contributes to a big portion of information breach that leaves many end-users vulnerable to attackers. How often do you update both your mobile and desktop operating systems?
With updated software (latest versions), you can easily avoid email-based attacks that target gadgets with outdated software. Attackers send malware to end-users’ email hoping that their files won’t be classified as spam or junk mails. Your online safety and safeguarding your credentials come first. To be on the safe side, configure your gadgets’ security settings and enable automatic updating.
Wi-Fi Networks and Hotspots
You don’t have to be a fin-tech professional/wizard to protect your information from malicious hackers. Well, cheap is very expensive. When you’re waiting or your find or business client in a hotel lobby, then you spot a free Wi-Fi hotspot, what clicks in your mind?
As they say, cheap is very expensive. It doesn’t require rocket science to set up a fake hotspot. Today, hackers are using fake hotspots to snoop on websites traffic. That doesn’t mean for business. However, you can always be one step ahead when it comes to protecting your data. You can safeguard your data from prying eyes by using a premium VPN when using free Wi-Fi networks.
Data Encryption
Recently, end-to-end encryption has become a talk in the Fintech industry. Google and other and other top-ranked applications such as WhatsApp has initiated the data encryption feature to protect end-users from hackers. Despite all the efforts made by developers to safeguard your information and credentials from malicious hackers, what are you doing to block the perpetrators from accessing your data?
For mac Users, you can turn on the File Vault to protect your media with a strong password. Luckily, Windows comes with a default data encryption feature. However, you can install BitLocker to protect your removable media.
Terms and Conditions Policy
Whenever you open an account or install an application, a message pops up on your screen directing you to accept the developer’s terms and conditions. Do you take your time to read understand what the policy entails? In web scraping, fetching data from some web pages leads to a violation that can lead to hefty fines.
For some applications to work fine on your mobile, they request access to your credentials. Developers can safeguard your information. But, what if third parties access your data? Your online business depends on data privacy in terms of competitors’ and traffic analysis.
Mousejacking
As technology grows, end-users are forced to upgrade their systems and processes. In the long run, some of the emerging trends leave the end-users vulnerable to attackers. Simply put, mousejacking as a term means the possibility of a hacker accessing your PC remotely by intercepting on your wireless mouse or keyboard.
Hint: Most of these gadgets seem nice working with, but they pose a great danger to your security. If you’re a finance expert or a health care professional, consider sticking to wired mice and keyboards. Remember, old is gold.
Conclusion
Today, relying on texting one-time code has become a thing of the past. Most of the websites have now upgraded to the 2FA (Two-factor authentication) system. This system makes it hard for hackers to intercept data or hack your messages. Whenever you visit a website and come across the 2FA feature, make sure you enable it. The primary aspect is being one step ahead of data perpetrators.