4 of the Most Frequent Cyber Security Problems
In an age where almost every person has a cell phone, tablet, or laptop– and more than half of those devices are internet-connected– the threat of cyber attacks is much higher than it’s ever been. One reason for this increased risk is that there are many different ways to be vulnerable to cyberattacks: from simply clicking on a malicious link in an email to opening up your device without the proper protection. To help you avoid these most common threats, we’ve compiled four of the most frequent problems below.
1) Clicking On Emails From Unknown Sources
It doesn’t matter if you’re using your personal or professional email account; it’s always risky if you’re clicking on emails from people you don’t know. If they come from an unknown source, it’s likely that the email is either a phishing scam or ransomware. Neither of these are things you want to mess with, as they can both result in data loss or even identity theft. If you’re asking yourself “what is phishing“, here’s a short answer. Phishing is a technique that scammers use to try to get your personal information, like your passwords or credit card numbers.
They do this by sending you emails that look like they’re from a legitimate source, like your bank or an online store you’ve shopped at before. But these emails are actually fake, and if you click on the link or download the attachment, you’ll likely end up downloading malware onto your device. So if you’re ever unsure about an email, it’s always best to just delete it and not take any chances.
Ransomware is a type of malware that locks you out of your device or files until you pay a ransom. This can be a Windows computer, an iPhone, or even just a file on your desktop. The ransomware will usually encrypt your files or lock your screen and display a message telling you that you need to pay a certain amount of money in order to unlock them. Sometimes the ransom is as low as $10, but it can also be much higher, especially if the person has access to large amounts of data.
2) Not Updating Your Devices
Another common cyber security problem is not updating your devices. This is especially a problem with Windows computers, as Microsoft releases updates to their operating system on a regular basis. These updates are designed to fix known security vulnerabilities, so if you’re not installing them, you’re leaving yourself open to attack.
3) Not Having Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is essential for keeping your device safe from malware and other online threats. If you’re not using antivirus software, you’re essentially opening yourself up to any attack that comes your way. There are many different options for antivirus software, so it’s important to find one that fits your needs and your budget.
Most antivirus software works by scanning your device for known malware files. If it finds any, it will quarantine them and then alert you so that you can take action. Some antiviruses also have built-in firewall protection, which can help to keep your device safe from incoming attacks.
4) Not Using a Password Manager
A password manager is a software program or app that stores all your passwords in one place. This can be really handy, especially if you have multiple accounts for different websites and services. If you’re not using a password manager, you’re likely using the same password for all of your accounts, which makes you very vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
A password manager can help to solve this problem by creating strong passwords for you and storing them in a safe place. Most of them also come with built-in login features, so you don’t even need to remember the passwords yourself.
It is difficult to make a perfect password and anything containing the following should be avoided: your name or parts of your name, phone number, addresses, SSN or social security numbers, previous passwords, and other obvious combinations that others might know.
The length of the password also makes a big difference in its strength. Generally speaking, passwords should not be shorter than 8 characters and preferably 12 or more. It is recommended to use upper case letters in the password because they add length without compromising security.
The internet is a vast space that enables us to do many different things. It’s made communication easier and given people the ability to shop for groceries, clothes, or home goods without ever leaving their homes. But as our dependence on technology grows, so does the risk of cyber-attacks. The first step in protecting yourself against these threats is making sure you’re aware of some common security problems: not updating your devices; not having antivirus software; using the same password for all accounts (which can be solved with a password manager), and creating weak passwords by following simple patterns like names or previous ones. You should also make sure that you are installing regular updates to protect yourself from malware and other online risks.
