Individuals who are not interested in technology often believe they have nothing to offer others. Typically, people overlook the dangers that lurk across the internet, completely ignorant of hackers, spammers, and fraudsters who are already plotting ways to target personal information. Alternatively, they are already doing their duties and you are unaware. You browse the web, go about your daily routines such as socializing, online shopping, and banking, totally ignorant that you have already been exposed to the damaging reality that certain bad guys are prowling the web looking for susceptible people to assault. What are your plans in response? How are you going to safeguard your privacy and browse the web anonymously?
Here is a list of the methods attackers or hackers use to victimize their victims, as well as measures to defend yourself against assault.
To begin, below is a list of the most often used methods by hackers to attack or infect their victims:
- Internet
- Emails
- Physical media (e.g., Flashdrive, SD Cards)
- Mobile device
- Computers
To educate you on the attackers’ (hackers’) method of extortion, we have the following:
Through password
This is one of the fundamental safeguards in place to safeguard our data. Passwords are often needed for access to all social media sites to which we are linked and must be kept private. Additionally, this serves as a channel for cybercriminals to access your personal information.
How they accomplish this
Nowadays, hackers utilize password cracking tools to get information from you. They will decode your password and gain access to your account. Once they’ve broken it, they may now get any information about you without your consent and use it to extort you in any manner they see fit. They may even steal your identity and use it to blackmail others, particularly those in your immediate circle.
How to protect oneself
- Avoid using dictionary terms.
- Create a secure password by combining letters, uppercase and lowercase, symbols, and numbers. You may utilize “passes” that are lengthier than normal, such as a song’s lyrics coupled with special characters or numerals.
- Never use the same password for several accounts. In particular, create a unique password for each of your bank accounts.
- You may store all your passwords using password managers such as NordPass or Dashlane.
- Finally, never disclose your passwords, passphrases, or master passwords to anybody.
Phishing
It is a technique that hackers employ to send spam emails to their victims. They will get your information if you adhere to their directions. The information collected from you may be used for identity theft, or if you have provided bank account information, they may be seeking your money.
How they accomplish this
Hackers disguise these emails as legitimate ones, such as those from your bank. Additionally, some utilize logos or trademarks to bolster the persuasiveness of their emails or websites. Additionally, phrases such as “locking or suspending your account due to certain circumstances,” “you must confirm your account details to unlock your account” are included. Occasionally, they may give you links to dangerous websites or may even send you malware.
How to protect oneself
- Disregard what was said.
- Avoid clicking links, and instead use an anonymous surfing proxy to conceal your internet activity.
- Consult an authorized representative of the institution they are impersonating to verify their authenticity.
- Avoid falling for it; banks and other institutions will not engage in such behavior to collect information about you.
- To be certain, you may enter the website’s URL straight into the browser’s address bar; however, do not click on the link they offer.
Malware
Malware, or malicious software, is software designed only to cause damage to individuals’ devices, data, and identity. They are capable of manipulating your data, spreading, and infiltrating our gadgets without our awareness.
How they accomplish this
When you click on unfamiliar websites or download bogus files, hackers may gain access to your system. They may erase your files, steal information intended for hackers, steal your identity, or even monitor your actions in secret. Malware comes in a variety of flavors and employs a variety of attack methods. The following are some of the many kinds of malware:
- Viruses – to enter, they need user interactions such as clicking, downloading, running, or opening. They steal information, destroy data, alter the software on devices, and are capable of spreading themselves.
- Worms – it infects one interface to infect another, stealing information intended for a third party. It has the ability to spread and mutate, causing computer applications to slow down by eating bandwidth and overloading web servers.
- Trojan Horse – it may get access through a backdoor or via installed applications. It conceals itself as a helpful application and takes data.
- Spyware – software that monitors your online activity in order to deliver advertising (adware) to your computer.
- Ransomware is also known as “wannacry”. It charges money to decrypt your system.
How to protect oneself
- Install powerful firewalls and anti-virus software to safeguard your device from malware attacks and surf anonymously.
- Upgrade your operating system and install any necessary updates.
- Avoid clicking on unfamiliar links.
- Avoid downloading apps that you are unsure about.
- Install no pirated or unauthorized software.
Smishing
This technique is similar to phishing in that it operates on mobile devices through text or SMS messages. It steals personal information or large sums of money from you. This technique could potentially be exploited by malware to infiltrate your mobile device.
How they accomplish this
They masquerade as communications from reputable institutions such as banks. They seem legitimate and include links that will undoubtedly lead you to dangerous websites; they may even download malware. Without your knowledge, they may get your personal information and even money and exploit it for malicious purposes. You should be aware of how to browse the web anonymously and of the following recommendations.
How to protect oneself
- Give no information over the phone or in text and make sure your IP address is hidden.
- Verify the communication’s legitimacy by contacting the entity where the message is spoofing.
- Do not click on any links or contact the phone number given.
Connection that is not secure
These are public connections, often called “open networks,” and are provided for free in a coffee shop or airport. We do not know who is involved in this, but they are almost certainly already under attack by hackers.
How they accomplish this
By exploiting these open networks, hackers may gain access to your data and track your activities. These networks are often unsecured and are readily infiltrated by hackers intent on extorting anybody connected to the network.
How to protect oneself
- There is no place like home while surfing the web, much more so when doing a critical transaction such as banking.
- Manage and configure your personal network security by controlling or configuring your Security Menu.
- Enable security and employ encryption that often begins with “WPA2,” the most secure of which is “WPA2-PSK-AES.”
- When utilizing insecure networks, use a VPN. It encrypts your data, adding an additional layer of protection to your data.
Thus, educating oneself about the methods and tactics of hackers prevents you from being extorted. Each individual must maintain constant vigilance since their security is entirely in their own hands. Learn to use a VPN to browse the web anonymously and safeguard your personal information from prying eyes.