14 Dec 2017

HOW TO PROTECT YOUR COMPUTER OR PHONE FROM HACKERS



It will surprise you to know that a staggering percentage of our computer systems and mobile phones have hackers sniffing through them all the time. Chances are that your own device is hacked even as you are reading this. From a reliable source, 80% of android phone users in Africa are currently accessible to hackers, and the users do not have any idea they are victims. Often, by the time the person realizes he or she is a victim, a costly damage would have been done.


The hacker is often pilfering information, such as credit or debit card details, bank account information, financial transactions, confidential information, online activities, and so on, usually for a certain benefit. Whether you have something important that could be stolen by hackers or not, what should worry you even more is the fact that your privacy is being compromised.

And do not be deceived, the hacker may not be that sophisticated software or hardware expert. He may be just that inconspicuous guy next door who probably do not know half what you know about computers. There are tons of very small, cheap and often free software out there, which anyone can use to hack into your phone, tablet, or computer system.

More often than not hackers thrive on the fact that the average user is careless about security, and that most people thrust online providers and contents almost stupidly.

Without having to go too far at this moment, the following are some of the things you could do to protect yourself.

Don’t Use The Same Username Everywhere

Most people make the mistake of using the same username in various accounts they have with various websites offering online products or services. That means if a hacker manages to break into one account, he can find his way through other accounts.

Do Not Trust Public WiFi

Most of the time you may not be able to tell if the WiFi hotspot you connect into to access Internet is from a genuine provider or someone who is engaged in a nefarious activity. Of course, if you are using a laptop to get into a WiFi you would be warned of possible insecurity; but your phone would not warn you. The rule of thumb is, if you are not very sure of the WiFi provider, do not use it.



Facebook And Social Network Friends May Not Be Friendly 

Most people accept every Tom, Dick and Emeka, as friends on Facebook and other social media. Soon they are parting with information that could be used against them. Imagine giving out the name of your favorite relative to someone on Facebook and that happens to be the security question you are asked as alternative to your password to a certain online account.

Be Real Online And Do Not Readily Trust People 

The online world seems to have distorted our sense of reality. People readily give out private details to an online personality they are not sure of. As a reality check, ask yourself this question: “would I readily give out this detail to someone I just met in bar?” In most circumstances you will not.

Avoid Using Same Email Passwords 

It is often easier for us to use the same password over and over again due to the convenience of remembering it. But the trade off would be your security. When you use the same password often, the hacker has much less job to do breaking into your accounts.

Avoid Using Simple Passwords 

Simple passwords are usually easy to guess. And remember there is password cracking software, which makes it even much easier breaking through simple passwords. Never mind the inconvenience of complex passwords, use passwords that include letters of different cases, numbers, and special characters. In case you have multiple accounts that have complex passwords, you may fare better using password managing software (password manager) to avoid the hassles of having to remember several passwords. Click to download password manager.

Be Careful Not To Be Attacked Through A Friend 

Your device may not be vulnerable but your friend’s is. A typical scenario is when a hacker uses a compromised email of someone you know too well, telling you that he or she is stranded somewhere, possibly overseas, and needs your financial assistance. Many had fallen victim to this scam, because everything about the email they got looked genuine. In such cases, do a voice call to your friend to verify.

Use Antivirus Software 

Antivirus software is your first line of defense, able to get rid of several kinds of malware, including spyware by hackers. Good and updated antivirus software would help you not to get into trouble. In fact, browsing through the Internet without a good antivirus is like driving without a seat-belt.

Remember That Funny Videos Can Be Very “Unfunny” 

Facebook’s system doesn’t filter for malicious links, so they can be very dangerous. Often a ‘video’ link will try to fool people into visiting an infected site or downloading something in the guise of video software or fake antivirus software. Your only defense is to think, ‘Would my friend really post that?’ so be careful about people you only half-know.

Use Updated Software 

Often people ignore to update their software. But most software updates do not just improve function, but are developed to patch security holes through which attackers could come in. Operating systems, applications, plug-ins, anti-virus, etc all need to be up to date if you want to be safe.

Hope this article is helpful? Don't forget to drop your comment in the comment box below for more assistance. Also share the post to help others.

Best Regard, 

IKE DECK Team.

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