As people become more dependent on technology, hackers and other types of cybercriminals find new ways to profit from security vulnerabilities. Every business and individual needs cybersecurity they can count on to protect their data. Here are some reasons why raising your cybersecurity is a good idea and tips for accomplishing that goal.
Technology Is Everywhere
You can control many modern devices from your computer or smartphone, from refrigerators to HVAC systems to car radios. Hackers who obtain your login and password information could control these devices from anywhere through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. For example, a cybercriminal could take control of your air conditioner in the middle of summer and demand a payment before you can get relief from the heat. If you refuse, you would need to replace your thermostat or even the entire unit.
Many hackers are starting to use artificial intelligence and machine learning to conduct automated cyberattacks on many people and devices at once. The frequencies of these attacks are likely to increase as AI becomes more sophisticated, making cybersecurity more important than ever.
Hackers could also go after the login and password information for your bank account or credit card. Don’t write down your passwords, and use different ones for each account. If you need to share a password with someone, change it as quickly as possible. If you’re sharing sensitive information online, you can reduce the risk of identity theft by using Norton 360 with LifeLock.
Your Privacy Is Essential
Hackers aren’t the only ones trying to get access to your information. Many large companies use cookies and other types of tracking software to gather data about the behavior of visitors to their websites, their phone numbers and their addresses. Then, they show targeted ads based on your location and the sites you visited recently.
Spam callers and telemarketers can use your contact information to interrupt your day, or they could even look at you and your home through your webcam. An identity protection service like LifeLock that comes with a VPN can keep advertisers from getting your information and reduce annoying phone calls, texts and e-mails.
Your Data and Devices Are Important as Well
Most people keep essential information on their smartphones and computers, from family photos to tax returns to work projects. Losing that data can be emotionally distressing, and it could mean you need to spend hours or days repeating an important task. Keep a backup of your data on a portable hard drive or with a secure cloud storage service. That way, you won’t have to worry about recovering your data if you and your family become victims of a hacker.
It’s also a good idea to update your software often and use a program like Norton to scan for viruses and malware. Regular updates can help you eliminate the security vulnerabilities that many hackers try to take advantage of. Scanning for viruses can improve your PC, phone or other device’s performance. Many types of malware try to gather your information over time instead of crashing your software or wiping your data immediately. If your equipment isn’t working as well as it usually does and loading times keep getting longer, one or more viruses could be slowing down your performance.
Making a small investment in your cybersecurity now can improve your peace of mind, reduce your risk of ID theft and help you restore your identity and credit if someone gets access to your information.
