How to Protect Yourself From Hackers

Monica Morris • Dec 16, 2021

With the holiday season in full gear, cybercriminals will ramp up their attacks as there are more potential victims and transactions to target. Hackers operate anywhere they find opportunities for an attack. They target businesses and individuals with the aim of gaining unauthorized access to the victim’s system.

How Hackers Find Victims
If your computer is connected to the internet you are a potential target for cybercriminals who are constantly searching for systems to compromise. Even if your system is offline, it could be infected via USB devices.

Hackers gain access to victims’ computers through deceit and exploit of security vulnerabilities.

They typically use phishing scams such as spam emails and malicious websites to infect the victim’s system in order to install malware and steal personal data.

Staying Safe Online

1. Install Antivirus Software
Modern computer malware have several harmful features that can be used to infiltrate and control remote computers.

Antivirus software can help you protect your devices from malicious software by blocking them before they get into your system or disrupting their operations.

Advanced antivirus software uses multiple ways of detecting malware including checking their runtime behavior and blocking harmful processes. Without an antivirus on a computer, malware can stay hidden for a long time without the user knowing.

2. Use Firewalls
Leaving your computer connected to the internet without a firewall is an open invitation for hackers. A firewall can help block unauthorized access to your network. Operating systems usually come preinstalled with a firewall. Ensure that your computer and network firewalls are fully enabled and functional.

You may also install an advanced custom firewall solution to improve your network’s security.

3. Use Secure Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication

Simple passwords are easy to remember but they are also easy to crack by hackers.

Complex passwords should be used for all accounts. The passwords should be very long with combinations of characters including alphabet, numbers, and special characters.

Passwords should be changed in regular intervals and should never be reused for more than one account. This is to protect you in case one of your accounts gets compromised.

In addition, two-factor authentication should be activated for all accounts. This will prevent account takeover if your password gets stolen or cracked.

4. Regularly Update OS, Applications, and Browsers
As security holes are blocked, hackers research new means of getting past security tools and processes. Hence, system security could get old quickly.

You must keep your OS and Applications up-to-date to stay safe from hackers.
Browsers need special attention paid to their updates and security settings as they are a common way through which hackers compromise the victim’s system.

5. Install Anti-Spyware Tools
Spyware is designed to be stealthy and is hard to detect by regular antivirus. You need to install specialized anti-spyware software to quickly identify, block, and remove spyware from your devices.

6. Avoid Public free Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is a convenient choice for people to easily connect but it is inherently insecure. A hacker can easily join such networks or create a fake access point in order to snoop on the internet traffic of unsuspecting victims for credentials and personal information.

If you must use public Wi-Fi, it should be combined with a secure VPN to protect your browser data and personal information.

7. Keep Your Devices Locked and Encrypted
Devices get lost or stolen every now and then. If they are not properly secured with strong lock and encryption, hackers can easily breach and extract sensitive information if they get their hands on it.

8. Scrutinize Links and Attachments
A lot of hacking attacks occur through malicious links that are delivered via email, SMS, or websites.

These links are carefully crafted by malicious actors so that visiting them can cause infection of the target system in order to directly steal personal information or install malware.

Also, email attachments can be faked to look like legitimate documents when they actually contain malicious code which would execute when opened.

9. Keep Sensitive Information on Devices you Own
A third-party provider should not be blindly trusted with sensitive business and personal information.

If you plan on storing sensitive information on infrastructures you don’t own, ensure they are securely encrypted first so they become useless to data thieves if there is a breach.

10. Turn off Features You Don’t Need
Some features on computers and mobile devices make them more vulnerable to hacking. Turn off Remote Desktop, Bluetooth, and GPS if they are not in use.

Keeping your system and mobile devices safe should be a top priority as the consequences of a hack can be devastating on an individual as well as business. By combining the tools recommended above and following security best practices you will keep your computer and network safe from hackers.

Fort Wayne Indiana downtown

Staying Ahead of Cyber Threats in Fort Wayne: A Guide for Local Businesses

05 Jan, 2024
In an era where digital transformation is at its peak, businesses are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats in Fort Wayne, Indiana. With cybercriminals becoming more sophisticated, local companies must avoid these threats to safeguard their digital assets. As cybersecurity experts, SDTEK is dedicated to helping Fort Wayne businesses fortify their defenses against these ever-evolving threats. Understanding the Cyber Threat Landscape in Fort Wayne Like many thriving urban areas, Fort Wayne is home to a diverse range of businesses. The variety of enterprises here makes the city a vibrant economic hub, from bustling tech startups to established manufacturing companies. However, this diversity also makes the area a target for cybercriminals. The most common threats include phishing attacks, ransomware, data breaches, and malware. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are particularly vulnerable, often due to limited IT security resources. Recognizing these threats is the first step in building an effective defense strategy. Why Cybersecurity Matters More Than Ever for Local Businesses The consequences of cyber attacks can be devastating. They can lead to financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal implications if customer data is compromised. In today's interconnected world, the fallout from a security breach can extend far beyond the immediate damage, impacting customer trust and business continuity. Tailored Cybersecurity Strategies for Fort Wayne Businesses At SDTEK, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to cybersecurity. This is why we offer customized security strategies that cater to the specific needs of Fort Wayne businesses. Our approach includes: Risk Assessment: Evaluate your business's particular risks, considering factors unique to your industry and operational model. Employee Training: Empowering your staff with knowledge and best practices to recognize and prevent potential cyber threats. Implementing Robust Security Measures: This includes firewalls, anti-virus software, and secure Wi-Fi networks tailored to your business's specific needs. Regular Monitoring and Updates: Continuously monitor for threats and keep your security systems up-to-date to combat new and emerging threats. Best Practices for Cyber Hygiene In addition to tailored strategies, there are general best practices that every business in Fort Wayne can implement: Regularly update software and systems to patch vulnerabilities. Use strong, unique passwords and consider multi-factor authentication. Regularly back up data and store it securely. Establish a clear policy for handling sensitive data. Collaboration and Continuous Learning Cybersecurity is not a one-time effort but a continuous process. Collaboration between businesses and cybersecurity experts like SDTEK is crucial. We encourage Fort Wayne businesses to engage in local cybersecurity forums and workshops to stay informed about the latest threats and defenses. Conclusion In Fort Wayne, staying ahead of cyber threats is essential for the longevity and success of your business. By understanding the risks, implementing tailored strategies, and practicing good cyber hygiene, local businesses can significantly reduce their vulnerability to cyber-attacks. At SDTEK, we are committed to partnering with you in this journey, providing the expertise and support you need to protect your digital assets and thrive in a digital-first world. For more insights and assistance on cybersecurity solutions tailored for your Fort Wayne business, contact SDTEK . Your digital safety is our priority.

The Benefits of Cybersecurity Dark Web Monitoring for Business Owners

06 Dec, 2023
In today's digital landscape, cybersecurity is paramount to protect sensitive business information from falling into the wrong hands. As a business owner, you understand the value of securing your data and safeguarding your reputation. That's where dark web monitoring comes into play. What is Dark Web Monitoring? The dark web is a hidden part of the internet where illegal activities often take place, including the buying and selling of stolen data. Dark web monitoring involves scanning the dark web to identify any instances of your business's compromised information being traded or sold. By monitoring these underground networks, you gain valuable insights and can take immediate action to mitigate potential risks. Key Features and Benefits Real-time Alerts: Dark web monitoring provides real-time alerts, notifying you the moment your business's data appears on the dark web. This allows you to respond swiftly and take the necessary steps to protect your sensitive information. Comprehensive Coverage: Dark web monitoring casts a wide net across various dark web platforms, ensuring comprehensive coverage. It searches for mentions of your business, compromised credentials, financial information, and other sensitive data that may have been exposed. Access to an Expert Support Team: With dark web monitoring, you're not alone in the fight against cyber threats. You have access to an expert support team that can guide you through the process, answer your questions, and provide recommendations to strengthen your cybersecurity posture. Addressing Misconceptions Misconception 1: Dark web monitoring is only necessary for large businesses. Cybercriminals do not discriminate based on business size. Any organization, regardless of its scale, can become a target. Small businesses are particularly vulnerable as they often lack the robust security infrastructure that larger enterprises may have. Dark web monitoring is essential for all businesses, regardless of their size, to proactively protect their data. Misconception 2: Dark web monitoring is too technical to understand. While dark web monitoring may involve technical processes, the service providers are equipped to simplify the complexities for you. They will guide you through the setup, explain the monitoring process, and provide actionable insights in a user-friendly manner. You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to benefit from dark web monitoring. Misconception 3: Dark web monitoring is expensive. The cost of dark web monitoring is a fraction of the potential financial and reputational damage that a data breach can cause. It's an investment in the security and longevity of your business. Additionally, many service providers offer flexible pricing options to suit different business needs, making it an affordable solution for businesses of all sizes. Conclusion As a business owner, the protection of your data is essential for the continuity and success of your organization. Dark web monitoring offers a proactive approach to cybersecurity, enabling you to identify and respond to potential threats swiftly. By leveraging real-time alerts, comprehensive coverage, and the support of experts, you can safeguard your sensitive information, maintain customer trust, and protect your business from reputational damage. Don't wait until it's too late. Invest in dark web monitoring to stay one step ahead of cybercriminals and gain the peace of mind you deserve. Your business's security is worth it.
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