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10 Cybersecurity Myths

On the Dark Web, you can find various manuals on “how-to commit” cybercrime. Endless lists of logins, passwords, account numbers, and even phone support lines for victims to call – all this can be easily bought online.  However, one should not think that Dark Web is absolutely anonymous. The FBI has been using proven methods for catching criminals, especially inexperienced newbies, for a long time.

Ransom, data leaks, fraud, phishing. We hear about cybercrime so often that our minds turned information into white noise. It’s easier for us to use pattern thinking and believe in theses that are convenient for us. But this is dangerous! Today we will talk about 10 myths about cybersecurity you need to stop believing in.

  1. I have nothing to protect.

You can often hear from a person: “Cybercriminals are not interested in me. I have nothing to protect”. Well, let’s assume that your data is not worth anything and nobody cares about it. And since you have nothing to hide, there is no sense to protect your identity or your information.

But what if we approach from the other side. Think about why all those free social networking apps you subscribe to – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok – are worth billions. When you accept the platform’s Terms and Conditions, you automatically can forget about privacy, as apps starting to build your detailed demographic profile. Companies then sell this information to marketers or use it for their own purposes. So why should hackers give up your information?

  1. I use security software, so I am secured

Many people think that once the antivirus is installed, an invincible shield is formed between their data and hackers. From the latest news, a group of Russian hackers has hacked the servers of the three largest antivirus providers. Now all the stolen information is put up for sale in Darknet.

So what can we do? At least, regularly update operating system software and security system. Do it not only on your computer but also on other devices, including your phone and tablet.

Do not forget about your Wi-Fi router as well. Once hackers hack it, every device connected to the Internet becomes vulnerable.

  1. Since there are so many attacks, it makes no sense for me to protect my data.

Do you want to check if your data has been leaked? Just go to the HaveIbeenPwned website and enter your email address. You will then get a yes or no answer.

Let’s say you have been hacked. The worst thing you can do is to stand idle. Change your password or change the email that your bank card is linked to. Do not ignore the situation. One gap will allow hackers to find more information about you and lead to more serious consequences.

  1. I easily recognize phishing.

Phishing attacks are getting more sophisticated from year to year. Hackers are infiltrating companies, CEO’s personal accounts, and even government agencies. The number of such kinds of fraud has increased dramatically during the COVID-19 pandemic because neither business nor people were prepared for the total transition to online.

Unfortunately, cybercriminals win 10:0 over users. No one will be surprised by the Nigerian prince or private videos from the webcam, although there are people who still get on this hook. Today cybercriminals play on the fear of getting a coronavirus, act out movie scripts, and imitate familiar voices with the help of artificial intelligence.

  1. It is completely safe to communicate with friends on social networks.

The most wonderful thing about social networks is that they connect us with friends and relatives despite the distance. But hackers skillfully use this advantage in their favor.

Suppose your friend has a weak password and his account has been hacked. Hackers send you a personal message on his behalf, asking you to watch a new funny video or a cool new site. Since the link came from a person you know, it can put your guard down and the cybercriminals will achieve what they want.

  1. Hackers – mysterious and scary

If to type in the word “hacker” Google gives out pictures with a mysterious hooded figure, which hunched over the computer. The image from the series “Mr. Robot”. In reality, hackers are ordinary people.

We forget that not only single wolves stand behind the hacking, but also entire organizations – some of them are funded by the government. Hacking is also a popular way for mobsters to launder money.

Once you understand the scale of the threat, you realize why it is so important to take steps towards cybersecurity.

  1. Popular sites are well secured.

Remember, any company is vulnerable to hacking. Popular sites are especially interesting for hackers, because they contain data, including banking data, about a large number of users. So, when you once again use the password 12345 for your online store account, think about your security.

Previously, we talked about how popular social networking sites sell your data to make money. So, the more cookies you have in your browser, the more each step is tracked. When several sites have detailed information about you, it increases the chances of your data being compromised.

  1. I use complex passwords

You will be surprised, but even a long and complex password is not enough to ensure your security. Many programs check billions of combinations in just a few seconds. Besides, hackers have already developed sophisticated password identification methods.

Do not ignore password managers as well as two-factor authentication.

  1. I recognize a fake voice when I hear it.

You may have heard that scammers change their voices and pretend to be bank or tax service employees. Perhaps you even received such a call yourself. Many people think they can recognize a fake, but technologies are improving and hackers actively implement them in their scams.

Now deepfake technologies help to copy not only faces but also voices. An online program only needs to hear your voice to make a close copy. And then cybercriminals can use it at their own discretion.

  1. I will immediately understand that the malicious program got on my computer.

The work of cybercriminals is a trick. Just believe, when they get into your laptop, the red light does not light up. There are many “invisible” ways to steal your data. Maybe right now some virus is hiding in your code, but you don’t even know about it.

Remember that your data is very valuable for cybercriminals, so it is important not to be guided by myths, but to keep them safe. What you can do today? At least make sure that all your gadgets are updated with the software. Don’t forget about password managers and two-factor authentication. And follow the cybersecurity news.

Source: Foxnews

 

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