We live in a digital age and hacking has become more common place every day.  If somebody hacks your account you can often go through months of Agony, loss of identity or financial loss.  Sometimes the result of the nightmare is you can never get back into your original account. Rather than being a victim follow these simple tips to avoid an online nightmare.

(see part 1 & 2 for tips 1-10)

 

TIP #11. Auto Locking and Locking your devices

Running to the bathroom? Lock your laptop before you go! Leaving your laptop open can expose your computer to a malicious hacker who only needs a minute with your computer to compromise your security.

 

Lock your smartphones automatically with the included phone auto lock feature. If somebody grabs your phone they won't be able to get into your phone without the proper unlock code. This can be especially critical if you have two-step authenticator applications loaded on your phone.

Someone may ask to borrow your phone! That’s how Parris Hilton got her phone hacked: Police in some counties will ask you for your phone and if it's not locked they will quickly make a copy of your phone and later go through your phone. See.

 

If a police officer asks you to unlock your phone you don’t have to, as it’s considered a locked space.

Keep your phone locked at all times when not in use. It only takes you a few extra seconds to keep your devices secure.

 

TIP #12. Your mobile device is probably more secure than your computer.

A tablet, chromebook or a smartphone is by default a more secure operating system. By default these mobile operating systems separate programs into (sand) boxes which keep information and programs from mingling with each other. This is of course if you do not jailbreak or root your phone. A Chromebook, mobile tablet or smartphone is generally more secure than your Windows or MacBook laptop.

 

TIP #13. Who else has access to your data?

Registered for that stupid quiz on facebook? Those apps can scrape data out of your account. Be careful what apps have access to your data. Want to use a service… they may request access to all of your email or dropbox! Be careful!

Remove apps you are no longer using on your phone or laptop.

Check your permissions on google and facebook:

Delete anything you don’t really absolutely need. Read the detailed permissions you gave the apps.

 

TIP #14. Check for updates!

When was the last time you checked for updates? Hackers will quickly find vulnerabilities in old versions of programs. Often companies will explain what vulnerability has been patched by the latest version. These old programs may give a hacker access to your computer or mobile device.

 

TIP #15. Set-up account recovery options and notifications to your phone

Most sites allow you to set-up a recovery phone number if you get locked out of your accounts. This way if a hacker compromises your account you can get back in. Many sites support notifications if there has been a major change in your account.

 

by David Chehebar