How Safe are Your Secrets Online?

How Safe are Your Secrets Online?

Within the last few months, incident after incident of high-profile data breaches, like the credit card readers at Target, and online vulnerabilities, think the Heartbleed Bug, has flooded the media so much that it has left a lot of people feeling a bit numb to the subject or paralyzed, not knowing what to do to fight against keeping their personal data safe. Maybe this is why in a recent national Consumer Reports survey 62% of 3,110 online consumers said that they have done nothing to protect their Internet privacy.

How Safe are Your Secrets Online?I don’t think this high number is from lack of caring; I think people are worried. They just don’t know how to deal with a problem that is so seemingly out of control.

It turns out that one of the most effective defenses against hackers is a well-educated, vigilant individual, so here are some ways to make yourself a hard target by recognizing online vulnerabilities and ways to strengthen your defenses.

Vulnerability #1 - The Cloud

Using resources like Evernote or Dropbox, both of which store information in the Cloud, are great for file storage and organizing tasks, but their security record isn’t too bright. Remember, information stored in any cloud is only as secure and accessible as the cloud provider makes it.

What do I do? Be sure to encrypt all information stored in the cloud to make it more difficult for hackers to read.

Vulnerability #2 – Social Media

Think about all the topics that are on your social media being exposed to people you don’t even know. It’s really a scary thought, isn’t it? Have you posted pictures of your children? Or, maybe you’re excited about an upcoming vacation and posted details on when you will be away from your home.

Social networks house a vast amount of personal data to help criminals figure out exactly where you live and who you friends are, not to mention other information such as where you work, your hobbies, etc. In fact, there can be so much information out there about you that hackers can fill in password-reset forms and gain access to your accounts.

What do I do? To enhance your social media safety, limit the amount of personal information you share on social networks, and restrict your privacy settings to just allow family and friends to interact with you.

Vulnerability #3 – Computer

Things like malware, ransomware, scams, bugs, and viruses all come to mind when thinking of safety and security relating to a computer. Also, email phishing has gotten way more sophisticated, appearing to come from legitimate companies, but when you click on an embedded link within the email, malware is instantly installed onto your computer. This malware can disable your computer, infect it or integrate it to launch even more attacks.

What do I do? Always use security software, keep your computer system up-to-date and be very skeptical when surfing the Internet. Never click on suspicious links, be them web pages or emails.

Vulnerability #4 – Smartphone

Hackers target Android phones, but even iPhones can be susceptible to attacks. Mobile malware can invade your whole phone, steal your contact list and even subscribe to premium services without your knowledge. How about a $1,000 phone bill?

What do I do? Only install apps from Google Play, iTunes and Windows Store.

Vulnerability #5 – Doctor’s Office

Healthcare facilities are a gold mine for hackers because these facilities collect and store patient Social Security numbers along with other patient information: home address, phone numbers and email addresses.

What do I do? If your doctor or a healthcare facility really needs your social security, have them contact your insurer.

Vulnerability #6 – Shopping

We all have that one store that we just love to shop, but all merchants have risks when it comes to processing credit and debit cards. By law, credit card losses are limited to $50, but debit cards are more complicated. Once you receive your debit card statement, you have 60 days to report unauthorized charges, and your account could even be cleaned out.

What do I do? Frequently check your statements and as soon as you see suspicious charges, report it immediately. Also, avoid transactions from merchants who have to type or photograph your card into a smartphone.

About the Author

Ginger Hill is Group Social Media Manager.

Featured

  • Report: Physical Security Market Turning to Cloud and Hybrid Solutions

    Genetec, a provider of unified security, public safety, operations, and business intelligence solutions, today shared the results of its 2024 State of Physical Security report. Based on insights from over 5,500 physical security leaders worldwide (including end users and channel partners), the report looks at the security strategies organizations are putting in place to effectively navigate the realities of a changing industry. Read Now

  • A Future in the Clouds

    The cloud has become a pervasive term in everyone’s daily work and personal lives – from the explosion of content available on Internet streaming services to remote learning to social interactions. Everyone is living cloud-based lives. Read Now

  • A Rapidly Changing Realm

    Many retail operators continue to face a daily balancing act of maintaining both an online and in-person presence. The coronavirus pandemic accelerated our adoption of online shopping, and the expectation now is that every retailer needs to be proficient in both arenas. This places a heightened emphasis on secure operations that ensure a seamless experience for the customer no matter where they pull out their credit card. Read Now

  • Secure Your Home During the Holidays

    The most wonderful time of the year can easily transform into a nightmare. Being vigilant, while still enjoying the holiday season, is possible. The holiday season is the perfect time to start implementing security measures to protect one’s home and ensure security while out and about. Read Now

Featured Cybersecurity

New Products

  • Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden CV-7600 High Security Card Readers

    Camden Door Controls has relaunched its CV-7600 card readers in response to growing market demand for a more secure alternative to standard proximity credentials that can be easily cloned. CV-7600 readers support MIFARE DESFire EV1 & EV2 encryption technology credentials, making them virtually clone-proof and highly secure. 3

  • HD2055 Modular Barricade

    Delta Scientific’s electric HD2055 modular shallow foundation barricade is tested to ASTM M50/P1 with negative penetration from the vehicle upon impact. With a shallow foundation of only 24 inches, the HD2055 can be installed without worrying about buried power lines and other below grade obstructions. The modular make-up of the barrier also allows you to cover wider roadways by adding additional modules to the system. The HD2055 boasts an Emergency Fast Operation of 1.5 seconds giving the guard ample time to deploy under a high threat situation. 3

  • Mobile Safe Shield

    Mobile Safe Shield

    SafeWood Designs, Inc., a manufacturer of patented bullet resistant products, is excited to announce the launch of the Mobile Safe Shield. The Mobile Safe Shield is a moveable bullet resistant shield that provides protection in the event of an assailant and supplies cover in the event of an active shooter. With a heavy-duty steel frame, quality castor wheels, and bullet resistant core, the Mobile Safe Shield is a perfect addition to any guard station, security desks, courthouses, police stations, schools, office spaces and more. The Mobile Safe Shield is incredibly customizable. Bullet resistant materials are available in UL 752 Levels 1 through 8 and include glass, white board, tack board, veneer, and plastic laminate. Flexibility in bullet resistant materials allows for the Mobile Safe Shield to blend more with current interior décor for a seamless design aesthetic. Optional custom paint colors are also available for the steel frame. 3