5 Ways To Protect Your Device From CyberAttacks

Many people are either tech-savvy or at least knowledgeable about gadgets. However, you may not effectively protect your devices from prying eyes if you only have minimal knowledge on how to protect your device from cyberattacks. After all, there are tech-groovy hackers looking to attack your software. These attacks may take you off-guard, and many do it successfully.

According to CyberCrime Magazine, cyber attacks will cost the world $10 trillion annually by 2025. That’s almost half of America’s 2021 GDP. However, users can reduce cyber crimes if they are cautious enough to protect their personal information efficiently. This article will explain how you can protect your device from cyberattacks and how you can go about it.

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What Are CyberAttacks?

Many people assume that cyber criminals hack only to steal your money, but there’s more to it. Cyber attacks are unauthorized access to your data to either destroy them (especially if they’re court evidence or data on a company), manipulate you (if you’re rich or caught in a controversy), or delete data (especially if they can be used against someone in some ways).

These attacks can be for many reasons, from reputational damage, such as stealing and exposing your private pictures and messages, to revealing your business’s financial ledgers. In addition, hackers can infiltrate your smartphone, laptop, and server using various hacking strategies like phishing, keylogging, and clickjacking that catch you off-guard.

Some examples of cyberattacks are ransomware, where your data is compromised, locked, and unavailable until you pay a ransom; malware, which is generally used to steal information; email phishing, where you can get tricked into divulging your financial details; and DDOS attacks, which makes your computer deny access to you ( the actual owner). The list goes on. You can shield yourself from these attacks using these protection tips.

Read also: What is Cybersecurity? How to Protect Your Business From Internet Security Threats

5 Ways To Protect Your Device From CyberAttacks

It can be challenging to keep your data from the public, especially with daily internet activities on unsafe websites you subject your software to. You can use these tips to protect your gadgets against unwanted attention:

Fortify your password

Phishing, mobile phone hacker or cyber scam.

Let’s paint a scenario. Sarah is an average office worker born on Sept 1, 1994. Since this date translates to 911994, she uses it as her Facebook password. Then, she uses it for her Twitter and Instagram; and because it’s easier that way, she makes 1994 her debit card pin. Sarah is a perfect victim, and it won’t take rocket science to infiltrate her; good guesswork will do the job.

Using your birthday or 123456 as your password might seem more straightforward, especially if you forget numbers quickly. However, if it’s simple to you, it’s probably a piece of cake for someone intent on invading your privacy. You should diversify your passwords; use random numbers that aren’t related to you. You can be creative with passwords for each platform.

You can also use password managers like Sticky Password, LastPass, and KeyZ if you are sure you’ll forget. You can even write them down in a jotter or diary that’s only accessible to you. This will protect your device from cyberattacks and ensure safety from petty thieves looking to make big money.

Read also: 7 Ways to Avoid Being a Victim of Cybercrime in Nigeria

Install Antivirus software

Antivirus software detects and removes established and incoming viruses on your device. It’s an effective way to protect your device from cyberattacks because it detects these viruses early.

It’s easy to spot the first signs of a virus attack. They can be lags in your device’s operation, consequent spam messages, strange programs on your screen, emails you didn’t send, frequent system crashes, and rapid battery consumption, even when you aren’t using power-heavy apps. An antivirus system aims to destroy that virus before it wrecks havoc on your laptop, smartphone, and tablet.

Antivirus programs such as Avast, BitDefender, Malwarebytes, Kaspersky, and many others are designed to prevent computer security threats that could plague your devices. They also automatically update reinforcements against newly introduced viruses that pop up.

However, while many users have this software installed on their gadgets, they don’t use it. Therefore, you should ensure you run consistent virus checks to eliminate stubborn and new viruses.

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Be careful with online associations

There’ll always be a stranger telling you to click a link to win gifts.

This could be via email, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or even TikTok. The offers are usually enticing and could destroy your device and its operating system with a click. You should avoid these people and their weird generosity to protect your device from cyberattacks. It’s also important to be careful about sharing your bank details online, which can happen if you regularly purchase online, especially through unsafe sites.

Another typical example is online casino gambling. The influx of online casinos has led to the creation of many fraudulent sites disguised as legal platforms to defraud you, hack into your device, or stalk your digital footprint. If you love gambling, you can use some of these tips to avoid rotten eggs:

Legitimate casinos are licensed by regulatory bodies, like the National Lottery Regulatory Commission, that oversee their gaming operations. You should avoid sites that aren’t licensed, as they can cart away with your money.

Avoid them if they only have a few payment systems. Many online gaming platforms offer several ways to pay and withdraw, and your casino is probably fake if it doesn’t.

Run if their reviews are shady. You’ll save a lot of stress if you read reviews on review platforms before dropping your bank details on their site. It reveals people’s thoughts on a site’s security systems, customer service, and many others.

Update your operating software regularly

update progress concept of operation system, data synchronize process and installation program.

Regularly updating your operating system, apps, and browsers is crucial. Most app updates come with upgraded security fixes, which strengthens your app. It’s also the same with your browsers.

Web browsers such as Mozilla Firefox, Chrome, and Brave are equipped with reinforced security measures. You can also use features like Chrome’s Do Not Track feature that keeps cyber hawks off your back, making it easy to protect your device from cyberattacks. These updates also help eliminate bugs and improve the app’s performance and user experience.

Read also: Effective Ways To Improve Cyber Security For Nigerians

Backup your device

Backup files and data on internet with cloud storage technology .

This is the last resort for cyberattacks. Backup simplifies rebuilding if your device gets breached and your data and business information is trashed. It restores your data, apps, and messages, making it easy to continue as if nothing happened. You can use an external hard drive and backup features like Windows “Add A Drive” to store and restore your data.

Final Thoughts

Protecting your device from cyberattacks, whether potential or established, is crucial. Your online footprint exposes your devices to several attacks. Therefore, you should strengthen your password, beware of spam messages, and frequently update your operating software to protect your device from cyberattacks.

How strong are your passwords? If you want us to discuss further on this, or you would like to be a part of our other insightful conversations, join our WhatsApp community.

About Author

Adetola Rachael Iyanuoluwa

Adetola Rachael is a content and copywriter. With experience in tech, entrepreneur, and casino niches, she relies on deep research to create quality, original, and marketable content.