How to keep your data private and secure

Now a days technology is a inseparable part of our day to day life. As we all know that technology is simplifying our work but it is also evident that the same making easy for bad guys to get access to our data which may lead to personal loss. I want to highlight some basic points that will one to take care their personal data.

1. Never use pirated OS/ software

Sometimes OS or software are pirated to let some vulnerable people to get a free version of software which in turn  unknowingly let hackers to get their hands on users personal data including access to their system. So, if you can't afford then use open source but never go for pirated version of any software or OS. There are lots of Open source option available in the market for most of the software and OSs.

2. Try to use Virtual Machine

 Virtual box is also known as sandbox is a OS inside an OS. For any new environment software or link about which you are not very sure of its authenticity, then virtual machine is your solution. Virtual box is sandbox environment to test your new setup/ link/ software without costing your data. 

3. Never click on link you are not sure of

  It is also known as phishing or click bait which may be used to install backdoor or Trojan  into your system to let hackers get access to your system.

4. Beware of Smshing

   Smshing is abbreviation for phishing using SMSs. Never click on the link sent using SMS if it is not from known sources. Sometimes hackers uses already hacked accounts to send malicious links to his next target. Be cautious when you are entering login info in a provided link.

5. Never give access to your remote desktop to unknown

   Remote Desktop is a software to access remote computer without even being present physically at the place of the computer. It was used by the professionals to configure or setup system remotely, but now a days remote desktop was used by hackers to compromise others system. In most of the cases scammers asks for the access codes of the remote desktop after that they took control of the systems. So, think twice before giving access to your remote desktop account.

6. Never install remote desktop / Screen Sharing App in your mobile

   In this era of Information Technology mobiles are not only used as device to call each other, instead it is used for most of the important activities including banking activities. Installing Remote Desktop application / Screen Sharing App in your mobile and giving its access to someone unknown may lead to financial losses. My best advice is to never install remote desktop.

7. Refrain from using public WiFi

   Public WiFis are the network where most of the compromises happens to its users. Most of the Man in The Middle attacks happens using public network where unsuspecting users enter their data to manipulated website/ insecure website or connection resulting exposing their valuable data.

8. Use VPN while accessing internet through public WiFi

   As I have already mentioned about the vulnerabilities of using public WiFi. However, solution of this of problem is to use VPN to get your data encrypted up to the corresponding server. Moreover, these days it is always advisable to use VPN to keep your data safe as well as to keep yourself anonymous.

9. Always update important security updates

 

    Hackers often finds vulnerability of the systems and to keep system safe companies provides updates for their products. So, it is always advisable to update all important security updates. Moreover, always update virus definition of your anti-virus software to keep your system safe from new viruses.

10. Don't share everything in Social Network

    Internet is a necessary evil now a days. you  can keep yourself safe by restricting your data from social media. Using social engineering anyone can get most of your data after simply knowing your date birth and name. 

11. Use non dictionary word as your password with digit and special character

    It is always hard to crack non dictionary passwords. Use digits and Special characters to make your password more secure.

12. Use two step verification.

   Always enable two step verification, it may be SIM oriented or Mobile oriented, but do enable it, so, that no one can get access to your account by simply knowing your password.

13. Change your password at a regular interval.

  Do change your password within a regular interval.

14. Always look for https before your URL

   SSL certificate is Secure Socket Layer certificate to keep your data safe during any transaction and https represents when a website is secured by SSL. So, if you are doing important transactions (It may be anything) do look for https before your URL in address bar of your browser.