Costly mistakes you could be making online, according to a hacker
A hacker shares their secrets to help you stay safe

With more of us having to do our banking and other financial transactions online during the pandemic we need to make sure we're doing all we can to prevent our personal information from being stolen. We spoke to a professional "ethical" hacker, who hacks into clients’ websites, networks, and phone applications for a living. He gave us his top tips to make sure you don't fall victim to theft. Click or scroll through to find out the mistakes you might be making and how to best protect yourself and your personal information.
Our emotions can get us into trouble

Some of us will believe any link in an email is genuine

We're too truthful

“Where were you born?” or “what’s your mother’s maiden name?” are two of the most common questions on websites to ensure your account will be safe from intruders in the future. But sadly these answers aren’t going to be the walls that will keep out any online attackers. Why? Well, if you’ve already divulged this information online, anyone could do some digging and find the answers they need. Don't be afraid to make up some of your information if you can.
We share unnecessarily...

...especially on social media

The more personal information you share online the more your details are accessible to someone wanting to get their hands on it. Next time you’re on your social media account, make sure the information you share is minimal. Your family and friends will already know your phone number, birth date and email address, so there is no need to divulge this information. If your privacy is important to you, don’t give out your information freely. And most importantly, don't tell people when you go away as this could put your home at risk.
Our social media profiles are often open

On your Facebook account, head to the menu in the top right corner of the screen, click on Settings and on this new screen click on Privacy in the menu to the left. Here you will be able to manage your Facebook profile and select 'Friends' for the different questions such as 'Who can see your profile info?' and 'Who can see your future posts?'. This way only your Facebook friends should have access to the content you post. Similarly, with Twitter, go to the settings cog, then Settings. In this window, you’re able to change all kinds of privacy settings, including making tweets private so only people you allow to view your tweets can see them.
We give away too much in exchange for ‘free’ apps

We don't clear our browser history

This is quite an important tip to use if you’re going to be using the same device as someone else, for example your home computer or a friend’s iPad. Browsers such as Chrome and Firefox keep a record of what you’ve searched for online, and the sites you may have visited. This information could be kept for weeks, and so if you don't clear your browsing history it’s easier for anyone in contact with the device to steal your online activity record. Be safe, and clear it!
What you need to have installed

We use the same password time after time

The most important advice is to never, ever use the same password twice. If one account is compromised, then all your accounts are compromised.
Use a password manager...

...even for your fake information

Set up an extra layer of security #1

Set up an extra layer of security #2

This second layer could be either a further piece of information only you know, a key chain or card reader, or biometrics security such as your fingerprint, voice or the iris of your eye. Using a username and password along with a piece of information only you know will make it harder for hackers to get access into your personal information and steal it. Your bank may provide this for your online account, through hardware tokens alongside your card and PIN.
Keep your security up to date

To ensure you keep your devices safe, it’s best to install an anti-virus software, but if you don't update the software when new updates come through your security will be compromised. Make sure you use the latest version of your web browser and install security patches and software updates as soon as they’re available to you. Technology moves forward quickly, so the more recent an update the better online protection you'll have.
Beware of using public Wi-Fi

You may have heard that you shouldn't do online banking or other sensitive activities on a public Wi-Fi network. But why? Well, there are a few issues that could surround a public Wi-Fi network. The openness of the network can allow intruders to get in, the network may have already been hit and be full of compromised machines, or the hotspot itself could be malicious.
Be sure to check your finances often

See what your bank is doing to protect you

Make sure you familiarise yourself with your banks’ guarantee for fraud protection. Some large providers offer zero liability for credit and debit cards, while others offer free protection for online banking transactions. By checking with your bank before you use online banking, or before you even sign up with a bank, you’ll be covering all of your bases.
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