One in Five Brits has been cyberhacked – here’s how to stop it happening to you
New research released today shows more than 1 in 5 people have had their emails compromised or hacked
MORE Brits are being targeted by cyber hacks than ever before - and few are taking precautions to stop it happening.
New research released today shows more than 1 in 5 people have had their emails compromised or hacked.
And shockingly half of those who have fallen victim to scams carry on sending personal or confidential information via personal web-based email accounts.
The worrying new data, released by tech company StayPrivate, emphasises how important it is for Brits to brush up on their online security.
1. Never use the same password twice
Your pet's name or the first street you lived on may be easy to remember, but it's also easy for hackers to guess.
And once they've gained access to one account, they can get into all of them if you use the same password across the web.
Furthermore, picking a strong password will massively decrease your chances of being hacked.
The most common 25 passwords include the phrases "123456", "password" and "abc123".
2. Use a VPN (virtual private network) to protect your IP address
VPNs protect you from hackers by encrypting all information travelling from your computer through the internet.
Any data you enter while using a VPN is generally protected from outsiders as they cannot intercept or understand it.
It can also mask your IP address, which makes it difficult for hackers to track your location.
3. Don't link your digital accounts together
Linking accounts may be an easy way of getting all your data in one place - but it's also a hacker's dream.
If someone gets hold of your Facebook password, and you have another Facebook account linked - they can also gain access to that.
4. Always update your software
We know how easy it is to "later" that software update, but if you want to avoid being a victim of fraud it's so important to keep your computer up-to-date.
Hackers attack anywhere they see weakness, and a system that hasn't had a recent update will have flaws scammers can take advantage of.
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5. Check before you download
Mindlessly downloading anything you come across online is one of the easiest ways to become a victim of cyber fraud.
Before clicking to accept, check what the download is asking for access to, check the app's iOS rating and read online reviews.
Downloading a fake version of a popular app could see your phone, computer or tablet hacked in seconds.
6. Set and store passwords with a password manager
While setting unique passwords for every account is the best way to keep you safe online - it can also be tough to remember every individual log-in.
Using a password manager allows you to create individual passwords for every platform, which are then accessed by one master password.
You can try free-to-use which creates new log-in credentials for every site - while you only need to remember the one.
7. Make sure the site is secure before entering credit card details
Any website that asks you for credit or debit card details should be marked as "secure"; by your browse.
"Secure" sites will often show a mini padlock next to the website's URL when it asks you to enter payment details.
If you can't see a padlock, check the website URL begins "//" rather than "//" before paying up.
8. Get free antivirus software
Web viruses don't just wreck your computer, they also give hackers access to your personal details.
Making sure you have a good antivirus software is a key step in stopping scammers accessing your accounts.
There are a number of free antivirus software programmes out there if you don't want to fork out for a subscription.
Try Windows Defender, Panda or AVG.
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