From our vehicles and homes to our toys, we are surrounded by technology. And with this technology comes cybercrime. In 2017 there was an uptick in ransomware and malware, and 2018 is expected to continue this trend. But with awareness, you can fight cybercrime and take steps to keep your data safe.
Backup Your Data
Backup and secure your data so you won’t need to be so worried about your information. Cybercriminals and social engineers constantly evolve and adapt, and their organizations grow. Ransomware is now a billion dollar industry, so before anyone can hold your data hostage, back it up! It’s best to have at least two different backup sources in place in case one of your options fails along with whatever made you lose your data. We recommend setting up automatic backups to both an external hard drive and a cloud backup service.
Don’t be a victim, keep yourself educated and prepared.
Update Your Passwords and Lock Down Your Accounts
While you’re backing up your data, you should change all your passwords and make sure they are locked down.
If you don’t already have a password manager, now is the time to get one. Try out Dashlane, One Password, or another password manager of your choice. You should Google for reviews first before selecting a password manager. Password managers make creating very strong passwords for all of your accounts a cinch, and you’ll never have to memorize another login again!
Pay Attention to New Ways to Secure Your Accounts
Now that you’ve restarted your passwords and secured them in a password manager, try not to rely on your passwords. Yes, of course, your passwords are still important, and it’s vital to keep them safe, but data breaches are still going to occur no matter how secret and private your password.
Luckily, in 2018, we are going to see a lot of new security tools. We are now seeing a rise in facial recognition and thumbprint protected devices. While these too have their own security flaws, these methods are a step towards change, a shift to biometrics. It will be an interesting year to see what else people come up with to replace the infamous password!
Make Sure Your IoT Devices Are Secure
IoT means “Internet of Things,” and refers to any product other than the usual computers and mobile devices that connects over the internet. Some of these devices begin with the word “smart” – like “smart refrigerator” or “smart watch” – but not always. Home thermostat and monitoring systems, Amazon assistants, heart rate and pedometer watches, pet collars, and even some implanted medical devices are other examples.
In 2017 there were several stories about IoT device errors and insecurity. As more IoT products are released onto the market, it’s safe to say that we will only see more of this in 2018.
With these smart devices being in high demand, developers may be tempted to rush the release of the product while overlooking security requirements. Cybercriminals will no doubt take advantage of any of these oversights and bugs. So before buying, thoroughly research internet-connected devices. Don’t jump on the bandwagon and buy a highly anticipated item the day it comes out. And as always, keep up with updates!