This
month’s article is a continuation of Last month’s article which deals with the
“Hidden Dangers of Technology”. You will find part one on the links listed at
the bottom of this article. As outlined in part one the world of technology is
riddled with myths, misconceptions and outright deceptions. No disrespect to
used car sale people but compared to the “spin” that is going about with the
regard to technology their spin makes them look like choir boys/girls.
Myth #4 – I Won’t Be Hacked
I am not
sure where this originated I suspect it was the fact that tablets ipads and
phones were sold as being bullet proof against virus infection. In any case the
old adage of “there being many ways to skin a cat” applies to how the hackers
have adapted to your new devices. If you drop your guard you will be hacked
this is without doubt. The hackers and scammers now use new methods to gain
access to your data but these have been and continue to be very successful. My advice therefore is as follows:
#1 Avoid
accessing your bank account or other sensitive data over unknown or free
wireless access points.
#2 Use
common sense when dealing with emails. I noticed recently that the scammers had
already adapted and were promising me a refund from “eir” versus Eircom.
#3 Avoid
“ropey” apps on your phone or tablet. By that I mean apps that are on the edge
as they are gateways to adverts and sites where you will be hacked.
#4 Do NOT
leave your laptop or desktop without a solid proven anti-virus that is fully up
to date. The excuse of “I seldom use it” is no defence against being virus
infected/hacked.
#5 Seek
Professional Help if you suspect you have been hacked. Friends and Family are
wonderful but when my car acts up or I suspect something wrong with it my first
call is to my mechanic.
#6 Change
Your Passwords often. Laziness is your enemy when it comes to passwords. If you
use the same password across multiple apps you are asking for a “hiding” and in
time you may well get one. Change your passwords regularly and keep them unique
by app.
