It seems like every day, a celebrity or other major public figure suffers a massive data breach. Many of us remember just a few years ago when the personal iCloud accounts of a huge number of Hollywood stars were exposed to the public. The truth is, however, the vast majority of attacks are not targeted solely at the rich and famous, but against everyday internet users. It doesn’t matter who you are. Data breaches can happen to everyone. Here are just a few of the reasons why:
1) Everybody Has Sensitive Information
More often than not, the first thing that comes to people’s minds when it comes to privacy online is protecting personal photos and videos. While hackers do target these, there’s much more at stake. To begin with, most people have a wide variety of highly important files on their computer including work documents, medical records, tax information, and other items that may contain information such as personal identification numbers, addresses, date of birth, and credit card details. Hackers may even target your media, like downloaded music and movies, for their own purposes.
2) Everyday Users Do Little to Protect Their Security
Since many average internet users do not think about what they do online is important to anybody, they generally don’t utilize strong security measures. Often, they’ll use the same weak password across many online accounts, fail to recognize suspicious websites, and accidentally download malware.
Because of these lax security protocols, hackers are actually more likely to attack the average internet user. This is particularly true because cybercriminals can send out mass hacks that target thousands or even millions of computers at a time. Even if they just infect .001% of devices, they will be able to extract extremely valuable data to use themselves or sell to identity thieves and advertisers looking to gain customer data.
3) Hackers Have Multiple Ways of Using Your Devices
Your number one concern about hackers is that they target your files to use your personal information in order to steal your identity or for some other malicious purpose. However, that’s not the only way cybercriminals exploit people. One common tool is infecting popular apps and files with different types of harmful code.
For example, they can insert keyloggers that monitor all activities on your mouse and keyboard, allowing them access to your online accounts. They may also “clone” your computer or use it as a base to launch additional malware attacks. In some cases, they may insert tools that enable them to mine cryptocurrency, choking your computer’s resources. What’s worse, you may inadvertently spread this to your friends and coworkers simply by sharing files with them helping to spread viruses and other types of malware.
How to Protect Yourself in a Few Simple Steps
The first thing you need to do is protect your files. Since hackers often target these, you need to ensure only you have access to them by using a file encryption service like NordLocker. With NordLocker, you encrypt your files with extremely secure technology making your files nearly invincible. Best of all, it’s compatible with all file types. All you do is encrypt the file then upload it to your cloud service provider, it’s simple.
From here, you need to protect your internet connection. Hackers primarily target people through the internet. Through using a VPN, you can secure and anonymize your internet connection with the same technology NordLocker uses to secure your files. This dual strategy greatly increases your safety and privacy. By using a VPN, you secure your connection, and with NordLocker if hackers (or other unauthorized users) somehow do gain access to your device, they'll be unable to open your files.
Finally, take advantage of your computer’s built-in security software. Both Microsoft Firewall and
Windows Defender are built into your computer and provide an excellent safeguard against hackers. For additional security, check out programs like Norton Security and Kaspersky. Both of these products are affordable and provide the final level of comprehensive coverage you need to ensure your safety online.
Yes, Hackers Do Target Everyone
It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do online, you are a target for hackers. This is because the data is so valuable. For example, advertisers are willing to buy data on even simple things like how often you open certain files or what apps do you use most. However, like most other criminals, hackers generally attack easy targets.
So protect yourself by using convenient, easy to use, and highly effective tools. Begin by securing your data with NordLocker’s advanced file encryption service. Next, safeguard your internet connection with a VPN. Finally, take advantage of built-in tools like Windows Defender or affordable options like Norton Security and Kaspersky for comprehensive anti-virus protection. Through this integrative and complete digital safety approach, you’ll ensure your data always remains safe.