Most people expose themselves to hackers on a daily basis by performing actions that appear harmless but are actually very risky.
This is the observation of a cybersecurity expert in an interview with the Chron. Zane Bond, head of production at cybersecurity agency Keeper Security, estimates that millions of people put themselves at risk every day by making basic mistakes.
Here are 5 common gestures that threaten your cybersecurity:
1- Use the same password on multiple websites
With the multiplication of accounts on different social networks and websites, most Internet users choose to use the same password or variations of it. However, this is a serious mistake, according to Zane Bond.
The cybersecurity expert argues that a password that is easy to remember is also easy for hackers to crack. The latter recommends using a password manager, which will randomly generate and store passwords for you.
2- Do not unsubscribe from spam
Having an email address also means getting spam on a regular basis. Many people choose to just ignore them, but according to Mr Bond, that’s not enough. This recommends logging out to increase your cyber security. “By unsubscribing whenever possible, you avoid a flood of emails. Less spam in your inbox means less risk of errors and more time and energy to keep an eye out for possible phishing attacks.
3- Give other people access to your WiFi
Who has never let a visitor use their home’s wireless network? According to Zane Bond, it’s important to create a “guest” network to prevent our main network from being exposed to malware from relatives’ devices.
“Simple precautions to secure your WiFi network prevent cybercriminals from accessing your data, phones, tablets and computers,” says the cybersecurity expert.
4- Neglecting to plan for your digital afterlife
One of the biggest cybersecurity mistakes people make is not planning their digital afterlife, says Bond.
“Our lives are becoming more and more digital and we have to keep in mind that when we are no longer alive, our loved ones will need access to our accounts,” he says.
The latter advises taking stock of our online presence and appointing a “digital heir” who will have all the necessary access after we die.
5- Deny two-factor authentication
To save time, many Internet users reject two-factor authentication. However, it can help make our accounts 99.9% more secure.
Zane Bond suggests using it wherever possible, but especially for the most important accounts (email, social networks, bank accounts, etc.)