Online can be a scary space -threats are everywhere and
hacking tools increasingly more sophisticated. Hitesh Raj Bhagat offers some
basic tips on keeping yourself and your devices secure
Deleting Traces From Old Devices
When you're getting rid of your old com puter, simply
deleting your data is not enough. Even if you use the format command to wipe
the hard disk clean, the data can be recovered using simple, free software. The
only way to make sure your data remains inaccessible is to overwrite it with
random data. For Windows, get DBAN (http:www.dban.org) which is free for
personal use. Some other common tools include CCleaner
(http:www.piriform.comccleaner) and Eraser (http:www.heidi.ieeraser) they
have overwrite tools built in. For Mac, the built in Disk Utility has a secure
erase option built in. (Click Security Options in the Erase tab). You can also
try the free Paragon Disk Wiper 15. On Android phones, there is a free app
called SHREDroid it will automatically destroy all your old data if you plan
to sell the phone or give it to someone else. Note that it does not work with
Motorola phones.
Password Managers, Two-Factor Authorisation
If you're not using a password manager already, you
should be. There are many excellent free options like LastPass, LogMeOnce and
KeePass they take the hassle out of creating tough passwords and remembering
them.It's important these days because people tend to use simpler passwords
(made of words, numbers) and using the same password on multiple websites. If
one gets hacked, there is potential that all your logins will get hacked.
Secure Yourself Using A VPN
AVPN or Virtual Private Network is a way to secure and
encrypt your internet connection (whether on a PC or mobile device) to prevent
your data from being stolenaccessed while in transit. There are many free VPN
services available the catch is that there is always a data or bandwidth cap
when it's free. If you only need to use one occasionally , go for a free
service like Tunnelbear, VPNbook, Cyber Ghost or Windscribe. Once you sign up,
they will provide full instructions to set it up on your machine. On your
iPhone or Android phone, you can get the Opera Free VPN from the respective app
stores it takes all the guesswork out of setting up and using a VPN.
Effective Firewalling
A firewall is a piece of software that blocks unsolicited
incoming connections: this is particularly useful if you have to be on a public
network for some time. Both Windows and Mac OSX have built in firewalls and
they are up to the task for almost any situation. Just make sure that they are
on and functioning. On Windows, open Control Panel and Firewall make sure it
is on for both public and private networks. Similarly, on a Mac, go to System
Settings > Security & Privacy and click the Firewall tab. You will need
to click the lock to make changes and enter your password to switch it on. If
you need something more advanced (typically for Windows), you should check out
GlassWire even the free version offers a ton of extra features.
When Using Unsecured WiFi Networks
When you're at a coffee shop or restaurant that offers
free WiFi, the temptation to connect is high, especially if you're travelling
and data costs are high. Other public networks include the ones in malls,
airports, libraries and hotel lobbies. The danger is that hackers target users
on these kind of networks and use software to `sniff ' out passwords and
personal data. The previously mentioned firewalls and VPNs can help by adding
an extra layer of security . Other things you can do is make sure your browser
address bar URL starts with `https' and disable things like file & printer
sharing and network discovery (on Windows, you'll find this in Control Panel
Network & Sharing Center
Change Advanced Sharing Settings. In OSX, got to System
Preferences > Sharing).
Web-Safe Browser Extensions
The web browser is your gate way to the web and the easi
est way to add a layer of security is with an extension. Try McAfee Secure or
WOT (Web of Trust) to get notified about the trustworthiness of a website
especially useful if you're often visiting a lot of new websites. Another free
extension called HTTPS Everywhere (Firefox, Chrome) will automatically encrypt
communications with several websites. Some of the other options you can try are
Avast, ZenMate and UltraSurf.
Identifying Fake Calls & SMS
This is the easiest thing to do on any mobile phone
just get Truecaller. Once you set up the app with your phone number and sign
in, you can turn on spam detection. The app works a bit differ ently on Android
and iOS. On Android, you can set it up to automatically reject known spam mers
and to block hidden numbers. It also shows you information while the call in
coming in so that you can choose to acceptreject. Truemes senger works in
pretty much the same way, though it's Android only . On iOS, you can add the
Truecaller widget and simply copy any number the widget will look up the
number and tell you instantly.
On-The-Move RFID Blocking
RFID or radio frequency identification tags are already
embedded in many of the bank cards we use, our passports and even loyalty
cards. A lot of the information on them can be read without you even knowing
a portable RFID scanner will be able to read the information from a few inches
away . You can prevent these on-the-move attacks by using RFID blocking
material. RFID blocking wallets are available online for as low as Rs 350.
Other options include passport wallets, travel cases, sleeves and backpacks
with special RFID blocking compartments.
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