Electronic hacking attacks are a big problem in today's world where technology is an essential part of our lives. But how can we defend ourselves against these attacks? Here are some important measures you can take:
- Be Mindful of Personal Information
Try to share as little personal data and information as possible. Always think twice before providing any information, especially on suspicious or fake websites.
- Beware of Phishing Emails and Messages
Avoid responding to phishing emails or messages that try to trick you into giving away sensitive information like your contact details, banking information, or login credentials. These messages often use tricks like time pressure or threats to make you act quickly. Stay vigilant!
- Verify Suspicious Links and Emails
Instead of clicking on links in suspicious emails, manually enter the website address in your browser. After that, check if the sender's account information is legitimate. If possible, call the sender using a known phone number to confirm the authenticity of the email.
- Be Cautious of Urgent Financial Requests on Social Media
If you receive a message on social media asking for urgent financial help, especially if it comes with a sad or tragic story, it's possible that your friend's account has been hacked. In such cases, don't respond to the message or click on any links. Instead, reach out to your friend through another means of communication to verify the situation.
- Protect Your Identity Documents
Avoid posting copies, images, or scanned files of your identity documents online. If necessary, block out any unnecessary information like your identity number or signature. Consider adding a watermark to the document, explaining its purpose, recipient, and date. You can use free image editing programs like Gimp for this.
- Use Strong and Unique Passwords
Set a strong and complex password for each of your online accounts or services. It's recommended to use a password management program to handle multiple passwords securely. If available, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for added security.
- Keep Your Software Updated
Regularly update your operating systems, programs, and applications. Download any available updates immediately to patch security vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.
If you notice any suspicious activity on your online accounts, act quickly. Report the incident to the police and inform your bank to freeze your accounts and credit cards.
Source: German News Agency
