Month: December 2021

Posted on

Why Your Bank Account Can Be Hacked

These days we rely on the digital world more and more. It’s not a bad thing per se, of course. After all, the online world can fully accommodate our needs and help us be more efficient and productive with our time. Yet, the Internet can also be full of dangers unless we are careful enough. Our banking information, for example, is some of the most valuable and yet vulnerable data that we all possess. Online or offline, this data can be compromised in numerous ways, many of which stay anonymous to us till the very end. However, knowing about those methods is what can help you protect your data. So, let’s see why your banking account can be hacked and how to avoid it.

Phishing

Phishing is probably the oldest trick for hacking bank accounts. That is also the reason your parents may be so hesitant about paying online or opening links you send them. Back in their day, phishing was even more common than now, mainly because digital security was in a much worse place than it is now. You can learn more about the progress in digital security by having papersowl writers complete research on this topic for you.

So, the essence of phishing lies in its name. It is a process of targeting people and making them follow your lead. Thus, hackers tend to send users emails or messages, convincing them to click on links. Once you do it, consider your personal information, including bank data, breached. Next, hackers can use the received info according to their needs. Often, such emails can be sent from hacked accounts of real people and enterprises, so people have more reasons to open those emails.

So, to avoid getting ‘phished’ try to be careful about what emails you receive and open. For example, always check the address of a sender and avoid odd emails. Also, if a message comes from someone you know but yet seems strange to you, ask the sender about it. Perhaps this person has been hacked.

Fake Banking Apps

These days, fake banking applications are getting more and more popular. Of course, it is easy to see why. Online banking has replaced traditional banks. So now people operate their finances from anywhere they want using only a device and a special app. Hence, hackers use our trust in online banking and turn it to their advantage. False applications usually look exactly like the real ones. After all, the original looks earn more trust among the users.

Once you have installed such an app, you unknowingly give away all banking information, often including even the access to all further verification codes that come to your mobile number. So, the best one can do in such a situation is to be careful when downloading such applications. First of all, make sure that the app you choose has many reviews. If it’s not, such a thing should already be suspicious.

Not being cautious enough

Just being cautious enough once online is the best method to protect your banking accounts. One, it’s best to never open your bank accounts when on public Wi-Fi. Actually, it’s best not to use such networks at all, at least without using VPN protection.

You may think that spending a break in a coffee shop, catching up on some work, checking essaypro reviews, or just scrolling through social media feeds can’t be that dangerous. However, every time you connect to public Wi-Fi you put yourself in a vulnerable position. For example, every time you enter your email password, someone can pickpocket it right away. The further steps are already simple. So, do install a VPN application that can protect you from any unwanted watchers.

Card-skimming

Card-skimming has been a thing since probably the invention of ATMs. Yet, it still prevails. Thousands of people become victims of card-skimming schemes every year. However, these days, those schemes are becoming more progressive and hard to catch. So, the most traditional scheme is, of course, hacked ATMs.

One way to avoid this is to use ATMs in trustworthy places, like banks, office buildings, etc. Next, always pay attention to your surroundings. Have a good look at an ATM before inserting your card. There can be a skimmer attached. Overall, better trust your gut and avoid using your cards in shady places.

Online stores’ data breaches

Sometimes, it is really not your fault. A person can do everything right, stay careful and shop only on reliable sites and retailers… and still have their data compromised. So how is it possible? Well, online stores can also become victims of hacking attacks. However, in such cases, they are not the primary targets. Hackers are looking for the baking data of their clients. Thus, if a site’s data has been breached, your banking details were also compromised.

Now, responsible sites should inform all their clients at once about the data breach. Once you receive such a message, your actions should be swift and firm. Even if your bank account seems to be untouched for now, you still better go ahead and block your card or change the card information. You can also inform the bank about those unfortunate events and they will be able to find the best approaches to handle the situation.

Posted on

How to Make Your Passwords Secure

Online safety and security have become a growing concern worldwide. Partly, the international community and corporations need to come up with better laws and regulations to ensure better and safer Internet usage. However, partly, the responsibility falls on the shoulders of users. To this day, many people don’t take online security seriously enough to create strong and reliable passwords. However, such a mistake will make you pay a high price if anything goes downhill, and it often does. So, let’s see how to make a good password to avoid any troubles. Here are four tips for you to learn.

Avoid all the common passwords

Let’s start with the obvious. People use common, simple, frankly ridiculously easy passwords way too often. It’s not the 1990s anymore. The world has moved on, the Internet has become more dangerous than it has ever been, and users have to acknowledge and adjust to that. Hence, no ‘passwords’ or ‘123321’ should no longer even exist. In fact, sites should prohibit such silly things altogether.

Actually, some sites already don’t allow any simple, overused passwords. Hence, those pages take control of their hands and try to encourage users to think twice before confirming a password. Yet, many people still complain that they struggle to remember such overcomplicated passwords. In such cases, you may rely on your browser to remember it for you, though it is not such a great idea either. To avoid that, you can also use a highly secured app designed to keep all your passwords safe for you. It should be unhackable. Beware, though, if you forget a password to that app, you will never see what’s inside ever again.

Don’t make it personal

Some users think that no one will guess their password if it’s something personal, like a child’s birthday or a wedding day. Yet, people really underestimate how much personal information they store online these days. Of course, people who can hack your computer or email can easily find such information online. If anything, most likely that you will be the very person who voluntarily and consciously gives this information away in the first place. You can even ask professionals, “Can you write an essay for me on cybersecurity?” and they will gladly answer all your concerns.

We share way too many personal details and facts about ourselves today. Hackers can know what your favorite movies are, when and where you got married, or your children’s birthday without going into too much trouble looking for all that info. They can even know when you pay to write essay or cheat on the exams if they hack your email. So, first, you better stop sharing too much personal information online for your own sake and safety. Secondly, it is not wise to put any names, dates, and similar passwords that can be traced back to you. Hence, don’t use any remotely personal data in your passwords. Such stuff is just too predictable these days.

Have a variety of characters

Really, the main piece of advice we can give you is to use a variety of characters. Now, it doesn’t mean you need to have an extra-long, elaborated password. However, it does mean that you’ll be better with incorporating around 10 to 12 characters, using lower and upper case, numbers, and allowed symbols. After all, it shouldn’t be such a challenge to you. There are so many characters to choose from. So be creative and engage as many symbols as you can possibly remember. However, keep in mind that every site has its own rules and requirements for passwords, which you still have to follow.

Choose a special sequence

Another great way to stay safe with your passwords is to have a specific sequence of characters that you add with every new password. Such sequences can have about three characters in total. Even such a short number is already enough to be more random and unpredictable. Also, it’s a great option for those who always forget their passwords. Now, you can have simpler and shorter passwords at any time. However, don’t forget to add your unique sequence to them. So, all that is left is to remember those few characters in that particular order.

Of course, it doesn’t mean that you should use the same old sequence every time. On the contrary, it’s best to change things up a little every now and again. However, even having two or three such sequences should be enough to have a strong, complicated password.

The bottom line

Your password protection should always be the top priority. But, of course, many people find it more like a chore than a necessity. However, it happens only due to the lack of understanding of how many personal data a good password can protect from getting into the wrong hands. Luckily, these four simple tips demonstrate how important and still easy it can be to have a reliable password. So go ahead and use those tips the next time you have a chance. Stay safe!

Posted on

How to Keep Your Online Passwords Secure

secure passwords

Digitalization is an irreversible process, and our society will use more gadgets and web services in the coming years. But are you sure that no one can access your data? Where to store important information? These are the questions that newbies are most concerned about. However, you shouldn’t worry in advance. Here are some good tips for you.

secure passwords

Do Not Use the Same Username and Password for All Websites

Digital security is a tradeoff, as you probably don’t want to remember dozens of secure combinations. But you shouldn’t use the same security settings for many sites. The point is that you run the risk of experiencing the so-called domino effect when one hacked site or email leads to the fact that your accounts on other websites will also be compromised. So this is why you should use a password generator to increase your security.

Use a Password With 15 to 20 Characters Including Letters and Numbers

One of the most common problems for most people is short and simple passwords. Most likely, you do not like to develop complex combinations with numbers, capital letters, and special characters. But your “1234QWERTY” password is probably not unique. Millions of people choose the simplest passwords hoping that no one will gain access to their data.

 

But this decision is like walking the top scariest climbing slopes with your eyes closed. Is it worth the risk of unwillingness to spend a couple of minutes creating a secure combination? So instead, use at least 15 characters, including letters and numbers. Then you can certainly avoid brute-force attacks.

Do Not Share Your Password with Anyone

How much trust do you have with your friends and family? How often do you share your usernames and secure combinations with other people? The point is that this is your info, and you should not share it with anyone. But, of course, there are situations when you cannot do otherwise.

 

But you shouldn’t share secure combinations unnecessarily in your daily life. For example, let’s say your friend or relative will not steal your money or data online. But what if someone else gains access to your secure combinations? Surely you cannot be completely sure that someone else stores your data as securely as you do.

Use a Password Manager

You will probably have to create dozens of passwords every year to gain access to websites and web services. This kind of routine is very tedious, especially if you are not used to creating reliable combinations of characters. But what should a newbie do to protect a new account? First, you should most likely use a secure combination manager. Such an application can generate strong & secure combinations and store them in one place.

 

Thanks to the encryption system, you no longer have to worry that someone will be able to access your data. However, you can also use more orthodox data protection methods. How about writing down all your passwords on paper? You can keep your notebook in a safe or in any drawer. But this method is less efficient than applications since you can forget where you put your notebook.

Use Multi-Factor Authentication

MF authentication is one of the most reliable ways to protect personal information. For example, let’s say you have a Google account that is very important to you, and you don’t want to give hackers a chance. Then you should activate MFA, a method using two or more pieces of evidence to an authentication mechanism. This option involves using a smartphone to receive a one-time code or a call. In most cases, hackers will not be able to access your data. MFA still implies using a username and password, but you can count on a higher degree of protection. Even if someone finds your data, the access code will come exactly to your smartphone.

If Biometrics Is an Option, Take It

Many modern gadgets use biometrics for authentication. Let’s say you have a laptop, smartphone, or tablet with a fingerprint or retina scanner. In this case, you should use biometrics and a classic password for the best protection. Now, most outsiders will not unlock your device and download confidential data. You can still lose your smartphone or tablet, but your passwords will be safe.

Don’t Fall For Phishing

Hackers use phishing techniques to access your info in most cases. So this is why you should be skeptical about all URLs and messages from people you don’t know. Also, don’t rush to click on links even if your friend sent you an email. Typically, such hyperlinks contain malicious scripts that steal your data. Sometimes it’s easier to send a couple of messages to Telegram or Facebook to clarify the details than to remove viruses or change all your passwords.

Final Words

Now you know the key protection methods for most passwords. In addition, you should use common sense whenever someone tries to access your data. Be careful and do not take any rash actions on the Internet. Your passwords will be