Computer Security Identity

Tips to Keep Your Cell Phone or Personal Computer from Getting Hacked

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Here’s the ugly truth about cellular devices that most business owners probably don’t realize; Over 74% of companies around the world have reported one or more data breaches due to mobile security issues and IT professionals have ranked mobile devices as the hardest enterprise to defend. It’s no surprise that this is happening globally since, mobile online traffic represents over 52% of internet usage worldwide, not to mention more than 180 billion apps have been downloaded from Apple’s App Store in 2017 alone. Nonetheless, we’re undeniably attached to our cellphones and laptops. Most of us access our work emails and documents that we need on a day-to-day basis on these devices, and we’re virtually dependent on them to function. So whether we use them for work or pleasure, our sensitive information on these devices such as our passwords, notes, banking information and private photos should be protected so that you’re not the next victim of a cyber-attack or security breach. Here are 10 tips to keep your electronic devices protected:
  1. Don’t open emails from unknown senders.
  2. Resist clicking on pop-ups and deals that sound like they’re too good to be true.
  3. Never give out your credit card information over email.
  4. Use an Anti-Virus protector on your cellphone and PC.
  5. Make your passwords difficult (so no nicknames, birthdays, lovers or children’s names - these are way too easy for hackers to find out about you).
  6. Beware of FREE Wi-Fi networks when you’re out in public.
  7. Keep your software updated regularly.
  8. Use only trusted browsers like Safari, Google Chrome or Firefox.
  9. Don’t always leave your Bluetooth on (Blue Snarfing is an actual thing).
  10. Use a strong password on your device and multi-factor authentication to access your applications.
Bonus Tip: Did you know that “Smishing” is the cell-phone version of Phishing? It’s when someone tries to trick you into giving them your private information via a text or SMS message. Smishing is becoming an emerging and growing threat in the world of online security. If you think that your cellphone or personal computer may be putting your privacy at risk, then it's probably time to upgrade your IT security on all your devices. For more information on how to keep your personal and business data secure email us at [email protected] or call us at 905-763-7896.