protect your personal dataprotect your personal data

The number of cybercrimes is growing every day, in particular, the number of hacker attacks has increased significantly,

As a result of which personal data of ordinary users are leaked, who most often do not even suspect that they have been attacked by intruders.

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The main problem is that users fail to grasp the fact that cybercriminals can easily get hold of critical personal data without breaking into the house and stealing bags on the street. 

But today, user data is especially vulnerable – new technologies allow hackers to easily obtain logins and passwords, bank account numbers and other confidential information without much effort.

So how do attackers manage to get hold of users’ personal data?

 eScan experts listed the main methods by which hackers gain access to data:

The most common way data is leaked is through Trojans or other malicious software downloaded onto a computer. 

This happens during the transition from site to site, due to inattention, the user can download an infected file, which will open the path to all data stored on the infected device;

A significant part of personal information is available in the public domain – in social networks, instant messengers, etc., .

All this helps cybercriminals achieve their goals. Dating sites are especially favorite resources for hackers to obtain personal user data;

Phishing. With the help of exact copies of online shopping sites, attackers can get information about credit cards.

Also, hackers actively use e-mail for their own purposes – they send links leading to sites “infected” with viruses.

In addition, hackers obtain data from lost or stolen laptops, removable storage devices, and paper documents containing personal information.

So what can a user do to create a reliable system for protecting their personal information? 

Take some important steps:

  • Install a firewall on your computer system to ensure safe operation on local networks and the Internet.
  • Install powerful antivirus software such as eScan products that provide advanced protection against increasingly sophisticated Internet threats.
  • Before installing any software, check the data about it in various forums through search engines to understand if there are problems for users of this software; research the reputation of the company that sells this software.
  • Never use a short and simple password to log into your online accounts. Use complex combinations of letters, numbers, and special characters as your password.
  • Be wary of links and Internet addresses sent in unsolicited emails or text messages.
  • Do not send critical information unencrypted via email, be careful when clicking on links in emails.
  • Check your accounts regularly for any unusual activity.
  • Please check the website’s privacy policy before submitting personal or financial information.
  • Track your child’s activity online, use a modern parental control system on a computer, tablet and mobile phone. Parents should educate their children about the dangers of the Internet.
  • Don’t install mobile apps before you know the permissions they need.
  • Create groups of email addresses; do not link your Facebook, Twitter, news sites, online stores, and online banking accounts to the same email address.