Just as everything has pros and disadvantages, the benefits of the internet are overwhelming. With the internet comes a danger of data breaches, hacking, identity theft, and many types of fraud.
Every day, an individual or organization experiences a cyber-attack using numerous operating tactics. As a result, it is critical to safeguard your identity and protect yourself from the actions of malicious individuals.
This post will examine 14 of the most typical security mistakes that can get your data hacked and how to avoid them. But first, let’s define a data breach and the types of information one can lose during a data breach.
What Exactly is a Data Breach?
A data breach, as defined by the International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), is any security incident that leads to unauthorized access to protected information.
Put this way, a data breach is the loss or leak of sensitive information by an individual or organization. A data breach can happen physically by accessing a computer or remotely circumventing the device’s network security.
Types of Data Exposed in a Data Breach
Various sorts of information can leak due to a data breach, the most prevalent of which is Personally Identifiable Information (PII). A hacker can use somebody’s personal information, such as social security numbers, identity card details, and so on, to impersonate such a person and commit fraud.
A data breach can cause financial information such as credit card numbers, bank account information, tax forms, invoices, and financial statements to leak. This data leak can impact individuals and businesses, leading to financial losses.
In addition, Medical or Personal Health Information (PHI) might reveal information about someone’s health status. PHI can comprise information on someone’s past, present, or future physical and mental health, which ought to be private.
Intellectual property and sensitive information might also leak due to a data breach. This information could include firm patents, trade secrets, blueprints, customer lists, contracts, and other sensitive papers.
Common Mistakes that Lead to Data Breaches
1. Lack of an Antivirus or Anti-malware Program
Installing a competent antivirus or anti-malware program on your device is one of the first measures to prevent online hacks. Various services are available to safeguard your device from rogue URLs, malware, and other online risks.
Many operating systems, such as Windows, have free antivirus software (Windows Defender); nevertheless, some users go the extra mile by installing a third-party antivirus to provide complete security.
Antivirus software protects computers and mobile devices from malicious programs such as malware. A good antivirus program can identify, neutralize, and remove malware from your devices in advance.
An antivirus software continuously checks our devices for unusual behavior, allowing it to detect threats that should not be in the database. With these characteristics, it will see a hacker’s virus, prevent it from accessing your data, and remove it from your device.
2. Using HTTP Instead of HTTPS
Many must know the distinction between these two hypertext transfer protocols, HTTP and HTTPS. People need to take notice of their differences to avoid exposing websites to unsecured protocols.
The “S” in HTTPS will require the hypertext protocol to use the secure sockets layer (SSL) to encrypt and transport your data more securely. Sites not using HTTPS may expose your data to anyone monitoring their traffic, potentially leading to data breaches or hacking.
However, some programs can force your website to use secure routes for better encryption and data safety. If you want additional security to your internet connection, consider using a top-notch VPN like ExtremeVPN.
3. Not Encrypting Your Device’s Data
According to Johns Hopkins University, device encryption provides a higher level of security than passwords in protecting your device’s data from unauthorized access. Furthermore, when an unauthorized person tries to access the device, it converts all user data into unreadable codes.
It is crucial to understand that device encryption and password setting are different. Although both require a password, device encryption is a more sophisticated step that prevents unauthorized access to the data on your device.
Setting a password on your devices is an excellent first step, but matching it with device encryption is the best approach to protect your data in case you lose your device. Most Android and iOS devices include encryption software, while Windows and Mac both support it.
4. Using Free Public Wifi Without a VPN
Everyone likes using a free VPN; however, they aren’t secure. They frequently lack sufficient security standards and can expose you to man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks or wifi sniffing — a process where someone creates a fake wifi to lure you into connecting to it.
For this reason, you must employ additional security to your device, like a VPN, when using public Wifi networks. Top-notch VPNs like ExtremeVPN protect your device and encrypt your identity, making it impossible for a hacker to attack you or sniff your data.
5. Not Turning Off Your Device’s Connectivity When Not in Use
Device connectivity—such as Bluetooth and AirDrop networks—should not be on at all times. Turn off when not in use. This is done because hackers can use it to gain control of your data by connecting a device to your device’s Bluetooth. Doing so will not only improve your device’s security but also its battery life.
Furthermore, when connecting USB or flash drives to your device, be cautious because malware can penetrate your system via such devices. Because one bad drive might destroy your entire system, don’t use it if you don’t trust it.
If you still need to connect them, you must always scan your device for viruses and other dangerous apps regularly to keep it safe.
6. Avoiding Software Updates
Updating your software benefits you a lot. For example, it improves existing functions, fixes security flaws, and provides new security features. In response to known security vulnerabilities, developers offer software upgrades to correct bugs and improve device performance.
As a result, if you run outdated app versions, you are actually risking your sensitive data. We recommend allowing these applications to update themselves automatically to remove the chances of missing any updates.
7. Clicking on Links from Untrustworthy Sources
Clicking links from suspicious sources can expose your sensitive information to hackers, commonly known as Phishing. It happens when a hacker disguises itself as a trustworthy entity and tricks a victim into its trap by clicking a URL, either by instant message or text message.
Phishing is one of the most successful methods for hackers since it requires the victim to provide these vital details voluntarily. For this reason, keep an eye out for messages or emails from unknown or untrustworthy people that ask you to open a link or download an application. Such URLs or attachments could be malware disguised and could be dangerous.
It is also important to remember that the message may originate from a hacker impersonating someone you know; therefore, whenever you receive something like this, make sure you confirm by contacting the person.
8. Using the Same Password Several Times
While it may be handy for you to use the same password for all your accounts, consider how convenient it will be for a hacker who manages to crack the password.
It implies that cracking one password can lead to access to all your accounts, which is unsafe for your privacy or personal data. We recommend using a strong password for each account you own and control. This strong password will strengthen your internet security and protect your critical information.
Remembering dozens of passwords can be difficult for some people, so you can use a trustworthy and encrypted password manager like Bitwarden.
9. Using Unencrypted Communication Methods
Many people fall victim to hackers online because they do not pay close attention to the electronic channel of communication they utilize. Know that most of our electronic communication methods, including phone conversations, SMS, and emails, are subject to mass surveillance.
This surveillance occurs when the communication channel lacks end-to-end encryption, allowing a third party to listen to your private discussions. As a result, you should trust applications with end-to-end encryption as your means of communication to ensure that no one except the intended recipient can access your message.
10. Failure to Enable Two-factor Authentication
Even if a hacker discovers your password, two-factor authentication (2FA) could prevent them from accessing your account. Any login to your account with 2FA enabled will require your account ID, password, and a unique code, usually issued by an app on your phone.
11. Lack of Screen Lock or Password
Because a hacker can install malware on your device when you are not paying attention, physically protecting your gadget is just as vital as protecting it online. Since one can move around with these gadgets, they are vulnerable to intruders gaining access. These invaders could be your buddies who want to check out your phone.
Furthermore, if you take the gadget for repairs, it is vulnerable to manipulation, especially when no password exists. As a result, never leave your device unattended, and make sure you set a password to prevent hackers from installing malware on your computer.
If you save passwords in a browser, you must take this point more seriously and ensure that no one has unauthorized access to your device. Because a hacker only needs to browse the same websites you do to access any websites where you have saved your password quickly.
This method is quite risky, especially if you’re doing it to log into your bank, personal email, or anything else that may contain important information.
12. Turning Off User Account Control Features
Some people find the notifications accompanying User Accounts annoying and, as a result, turn off the function, oblivious to the security implications. Windows User Account Control (UAC) capabilities, for example, notify you when your device is undergoing modifications.
This notice is critical since it informs you when an update is necessary, which app is malfunctioning, etc. If you turn off notifications, you will be completely uninformed of what is happening on your device.
Hackers can modify your computer without your awareness, gaining access to your essential data. As a result, even if you find the User Account notification feature annoying, you shouldn’t deactivate it. It is beneficial to the overall security of your device.
13. Unwanted Software Downloads
You may have encountered a pop-up warning while perusing the internet that your PC is at risk unless you instantly download free antivirus software. Hackers use this tactic to induce you to download files that will allow them to hack your device from within.
When you install this software inadvertently, thinking it’s a virus-scanning program to help you guard against online threats, it immediately prevents your computer from running legitimate antivirus solutions. And before you know it, your device will begin to hang and malfunction.
To avoid these data breaches, update your antivirus software and use a pop-up blocker to prevent harmful URLs from displaying on your screen.
14. Revealing Information on Social Media
This point is one of the most overlooked mistakes that can get your data hacked. Hackers can learn much about a potential victim from the person’s social media account. They can then use this information to reset passwords, apply for credit cards, or send more convincing phishing emails.
It would help if you learned not to post content containing information such as family members’ names (particularly your mother’s maiden name), date of birth, where you were born, and where you went to college. Also, posts containing pet names, old or current addresses, and details on daily routines, among other things.
Furthermore, set your social media accounts to private so only your friends can view your profile.
Consequences of Data Breaches
Aside from financial loss, there are a variety of other dangers associated with data breaches, which is why both people and corporate bodies must work to prevent them. They can sometimes result in reputational harm, operational downtime, and the loss of sensitive data, to name a few.
Individuals affected by the company’s data leak are increasingly taking legal action against them. These persons may also seek monetary compensation for losing their exposed data. For instance, Equifax has agreed to give over $700 million in compensation to consumers affected by its 2017 data hack, which involved over 145 million people globally.
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