In 2020, you cannot be too careful in securing your devices. Cybercriminals have changed tactics, and the threats used in 2020 might be the same ones used ten years ago, but more sophisticated. The IoS is touted as more tricky to hack than the Android operating system.
However, the hacking of Amazon’s founder Jeff Bezos’ iPhone X in 2018 proves that no operating system is 100% safe, and that anti-virus software is not enough to secure your devices. Most people use their mobile devices for purposes such as accessing their social media accounts, online shopping and accessing bank accounts. You need to secure your devices from primary threats such as:
1. Phishing
Phishing is one of the oldest tricks in the books, and it is orchestrated via email links and attachments. The criminals send you an email, purportedly from a legitimate source such as a trusted friend or institution such as a bank. Once you click on the link or download the attachment, it automatically redirects you to a fake website built by the hackers, which prompts you to divulge information such as usernames or passwords.
2. Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware likened to a kidnapping, where the cyber-criminals hold your device at ransom in exchange for payment. Ransomware encrypts your device, and you cannot access data. Hackers know that Cryptocurrency is untraceable and often demand payment using Bitcoin or other cryptocurrencies. The danger about ransomware is that you can never be 100% sure that the hackers will keep their end of the bargain. The most recent ransomware in 2020 attacked a U.S maritime facility, creating a thirty-hour downtime. The ransomware burrowed into the system after an employee inadvertently clicked on an email link, affecting the control systems that control and monitor cargo transfer, and encrypted the process operation files.
How to secure your devices from cyber-threats
Since anti-virus is not enough to mitigate cyber-threats, you can take the following additional measures:
1. Install a VPN
Installing a VPN to protect yourself is one of the most effective measures against cyber-threats. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a tunnel via which your devices can access the internet anonymously. A VPN hides your location and masks your IP address, making it hard for any hacker to find you on a network, particularly if you use your device on the go.
2. Update your devices’ software
Software developers keep updating device software, and you should never ignore the prompts for software updates. The software updates fix bugs and fix vulnerabilities. The updates only take a few minutes, and if your devices use older software versions, hackers are quick to detect any vulnerabilities and use them to hack into your device.
3. Install anti-spyware software
Once spyware finds its way into your devices, it allows hackers to snoop on your online activity. The spyware gives cyber-criminals access to what you type on your devices, which includes sensitive information such as usernames and passwords. Anti-spyware software can detect and eliminate threats such as key-loggers from your devices. This measure ensures hackers cannot see what you type.
Conclusion
Cyber-crime in 2020 is at an all-time high, and cyber-threats are not what they were a decade ago. Protecting your devices from threats is critical for protecting your sensitive personal or business data. Each year, more people fall prey to cyber-crimes, and being vigilant or installing anti-virus is not enough. Installing VPNs, updating software, and installing anti-spyware software are just some of the measures you can take to mitigate the growing cyber-threats.
