How Hackers Can Monitor Your Data By Several Signs?

Technology and cyber world are full of surprise and threats. Every day you may get surprised with kind of new invention either it is related to product, service or any dodgy toolkit. If any citizen or business is thinking that they are safe in this technology world then they are making a big mistake. If you do not take precaution over the web, you may be the next victim.

Image Credit: Pixabay

In this article, I have tried to cover few questions which are listed below that a web user or a startup should think over.

• How badly can cyber crime influence an individual or business?
• What signs could tell you that your data could be the next victim of cyber culprits?
• Is there any solution to protect your data?

Let us go through the helpful signs that reveal that you are being monitored by attackers.

1.   Social Media Links:

Social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter are on the target of hackers and they frequently post fake news, the app that lures users to click the link. Such links redirect users to a fake website where they are being asked login details, personal information etc. Either such sites are legit sites that are already compromised or hackers make new fake site page to entice users to make them a victim. Such malicious links also carry “Driven by download” attack to set malware on the user’s system.

Solution:

Before clicking on shortened links, users should hover their mouse on the link that will give an idea of site’s original address. If the user is not sure about the link, they must avoid it or close the page.

2.   Same Password Theory:

Many users use the same password for their multiple online accounts, which can cause risk to them. Once hackers break a single account, they can easily get a hold on other online accounts of an individual user.

Solution:

Password changing is a good habit. Users should make their password complex and have mix of numbers, upper and lower capital letters with special characters. It is sensible to keep password manager for password management. Users must not share their login or confidential information in public or to anyone.

3.   Outdated Software:

If you handle Smartphone or PC, you have legit software or apps installed on your mobile or PC which need a regular update to avoid bug and other risks. Ideally, users must update their apps and software from direct company’s website in place of any third party update. Because it may cause your PC or Smartphone vulnerable. Hackers will easily get the advantage of outdated software and apps such as Java, Adobe flash player, Microsoft office which faced users’ ignorance.

Solution:

If you forget to update your device then keep auto update in a system that will pop up about the recent update. Regular update keeps your device system healthy and secured.

4.   Third Party Apps:

People generally tend to install apps from third party software sites that may have Virus, Trojan, or Malware. Once a user installs the app from third party website, the malicious code resides in the app begin to monitor your Smartphone and sends data to the concerned culprits. Users also do Jailbreaking or root their device to install the app, which can cause big risk to you.

Solution:

In Android-based phone, a user can off the checkbox of “Unknown third party source” that will prevent third-party app installation. By mistake, if you click on the install button and the website redirects you to another page instead of the previously mentioned site, then close the page immediately.

5.   Open Wi-Fi:

Attackers always target insecure Wi-Fi that is mostly available on the college campus, coffee shops, and hotels. Attackers interfere between you and the server to perform MITM (Man-in-the-Middle Attack) to steal sensitive information stored on your Smartphone or laptop. They generally allow a pop up on user’s screen telling to update the software, once the user clicks on the message, the malware resides in will start to download.

Solution:

Users should avoid such open Wi-Fi as they can make you a victim and pose a threat to your device system.

6.   Unsecured E-shopping:

Dealing with unsecured e-commerce website can pose a risk to your money. If you deal with online shopping, make sure that the website has SSL enabled that helps to secure transmitting online transactions. SSL protects login credentials, credit card or debit card information.

Solution:

Always look for HTTPS at the beginning of the address URL, as it is a sign of a secure site. SSL helps the website to prevent phishing, data sniffing, data intercept.

7.   Social Engineering /Phishing Emails:

Attackers use social engineering like a phishing attack, honeypot attack, mass mailing to steal user’s information or gain control of their server. Few examples of social engineering techniques are:

• Attackers make a fake Facebook page pretending to be a real page and ask users login details to authenticate him/her.
• Users visiting the website that tells them to provide free games or any award once they provide their information to the website.
• A fake email from hacker pretending to be from an authenticated bank asks to provide banking details.

The above techniques lure users and compel them to provide their details, once users provide the required details, attackers can access their account as well gain control of device system.

Solution:

Do not click on any unknown emails as it could pose a risk to your device. Avoid unknown links appear on your Facebook profile. Do not share your login details to unknown websites.

Conclusion:

From the above discussion, I hope it is clear now that expose of sensitive credentials puts users in a danger condition. However, if you follow the above tips, you can minimize the risk associated with the web world. A little care of your online presence can keep your data secure on the web.