Published on January 3rd, 2020 | by Sunit Nandi

How to Stay Several Steps Ahead of a Hacker

As technology continues to progress, so does the alarming rate of cybercrime. In the year 2018, there were about 77 percent of successful cybercrimes, and in 2019 about 78 percent. It is said that by the year 2021, cybercrime will cost about $6 trillion each year. Most hackers aim for individuals and smaller businesses because they would have low-end security. However, there are ways to stay ahead of a hacker.

How to Identify a Hacker

Hackers might try a variety of things to get your information. Here are a few things they might do:

Send long emails – The act of phishing includes hackers sending you long personal emails, which might start out telling you about offers they might have or help they might need. Many of them even email you mentioning a person that has recently passed away and wants to donate their money to you. Be wary because they will use your name or also discuss a project you might be working on.
Malfunctioning device – You might notice that you are not able to scroll through a page or that the page directs to other malicious websites. You might also see your device’s battery continually running down faster than usual. This is because hackers use your resources to send your data to their equipment.
Monitor your bank account – If you’ve given out any banking information recently for shopping online or payments, keep track of your bank account. They might be making payments from your account.
Miscellaneous – You might receive random links, random pop-ups, and fake antivirus messages. Your online passwords might not work either.

Don’t Accept Communication from an Unrecognized Person

Whether you are worried about your personal information or for your business, don’t respond to any unrecognized emails, especially for offers to work with you or to earn more. Sixty percent of companies close down in less than six months because of cyberattacks, and one of the best ways to stay clear of this is by avoiding any random download links, airdrops, and messages.

Set Strong Passwords That Differ From One Another

When hackers are on the lookout, they often find forums where they can access your email id and other information. They have programs that try different combinations with whatever personal information they collect. Once they crack the password for one account, they continue to try the same, including your bank pin. It is best to keep unique passwords for different accounts. Use strong passwords that don’t hold personal information and birthdates.

Utilize Protection Software

Apart from having your basic antivirus and antimalware software, you might also want to try threat hunting software for detailed analysis and security. Threat hunting software actively searches through your network to find and remove any potential threats that escape other security programs.

Take Precautions to Stay Safe and Secure

It is better to keep away from any possible chances of threats rather than to risk losing valuable information. Always keep secure passwords, keep monitoring your bank account, and monitor your network to stay safe.

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About the Author

Sunit Nandi I'm the leader of Techno FAQ. Also an engineering college student with immense interest in science and technology. Other interests include literature, coin collecting, gardening and photography. Always wish to live life like there's no tomorrow.