The Internet somewhat a real entity. However, its intangible nature has created a significant challenge for cybersecurity experts. The sophistication and frequency of cyber threats are always at an all-time high, and the costs linked to data breaches continue to increase.
Recently, Juniper’s research revealed that the rapid digitization of enterprise records and consumers’ lives would increase the cost of data breaches globally. Cybersecurity issues have become a day-to-day struggle for people and businesses alike. Recent trends and statistics show a significant increase in breached and hacked data from various sources that are common in the workplace, such as IoT devices and mobile devices.
For instance, researchers have discovered a new Android malware family. It targets popular messaging apps such as Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp to gather intelligence on unsuspecting Android users. If you use online banking services, here are the best practice to stay safe.
1. Encryption is important when logging in to your bank account
No matter where you plan to use your mobile device, you are at risk of getting hacked or data breach. Besides, unencrypted data is vulnerable because the information that comes to your device’s browser is not secure.
Wireless connections, particularly public access points, are more vulnerable to sniffers or various programs used to decode data to make it more readable. Some of these public access points include places that provide free Wi-Fi, like hotels, coffee shops, and airports.
The bad guys often use sniffers to steal data, spy, steal identities, and hijack devices. On the other hand, the good guys use this process to determine whether the network is safe. If you are within about 500 feet, the bad guys can get your data. And they see everything! From your comments on news articles to your passwords and banking information.
The good news is that encryption can keep your device and data safe from sniffers. For instance, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) lets you safely communicate over unencrypted networks or public networks. So, what is VPN for?
A reliable VPN scrambles or encrypts data so that the hackers cannot tell what you are doing on the Internet. It creates some kind of tunnel that prevents snoopers, hackers, and ISPs from checking your instant messages, credit card information, browsing history, and anything that you send over the network.
You can use a VPN on desktops and mobile devices like phones, laptops, tablets, and more.
2. Restrict physical access to your devices
Who has access to your devices? Before you start looking at things like apps that steal data and malware, you should limit access to your devices. Don’t leave the device lying where unauthorized guests can access it. Use a lock screen to prevent everyone from sneakily accessing your devices.
Also, it is recommended to set a PIN to effectively protect your online purchases.
3. Don’t root your device unless you absolutely must
The ability to tweak different sections of the OS and the lure of custom ROMs are some of the elements that make Android great. However, Android is created with a special security model that limits what an application can do
If you root your phone, you break this security model. The main issue is that some Android malware circumvents security mechanisms using existing root access. With sufficient root access, malware can access various Android elements that should be protected by the device’s permissions system.
Conclusion
Nearly all software and devices have security vulnerabilities. But if you follow these three rules and stay vigilant, you will never have security challenges with hackers and malware.
