Performing a “cyber spring clean” can be time-consuming –
but many of us have a few weaknesses we can tighten up in two minutes or
less.
If you’re pushed for time, here are a few instant “fixes” that can make you safer.
Is your smartphone PIN easy to remember? Change it
A huge percentage of smartphone users still choose very
obvious PIN codes such as 1, 2, 3, 4 or 1111 – and criminals will often
guess them, sometimes with the aid of greasy finger marks on screen.
This hands over all the data in your mobile device to any criminal who
gets hold of it – and that can include anything from the data in your
email account, to online banking passwords. It’s also worth checking how
long the “timeout” on your device is – if it’s too short, an
opportunistic thief might be able to get in regardless.
Don’t “opt out” of security. Tick the box for two-factor authentication on Twitter and Dropbox
Two-factor authentication
makes it far more difficult – although not impossible – for
cybercriminals to break into accounts on sites such as Twitter and
Dropbox. At present, though, the system is “opt-in” – you have to go to
settings, and add your authentication method manually. On Dropbox
particularly, many families store huge amounts of valuable information –
and don’t use the optional two-factor security. It’s there – use it.
Many sites force users to replace passwords occasionally –
and users often respond by adding the required special characters to the
end of passwords, or adding numbers there instead. If your password
leaks, this is among the first things a password cracker will try. ESET
Senior Research Fellow David Harley says, “This also applies where the
site requires you to change your password periodically but allows you to
do so by appending a number. Password cracking 101.” For an ESET guide
to making passwords as strong as possible, click here.
Free antivirus software – or instant checks – can’t ever match the peace of mind you get from having software on your computer protecting you 24-7. But if you’re worried you may have clicked the wrong link, or something just seems wrong, ESET’s Online Scanner can perform an instant scan of your PC.
Stop browsing from the coffee shop
“Free” Wi-Fi networks can offer a convenient way to get online – but it’s far more secure to use your smartphone’s data connection and share it with your laptop via Wi-Fi. It’s very difficult to tell whether data is being intercepted on open public networks – and accessing sites where you need a password, such as your email or online banking, can be risky. Don’t take that risk.
