CyberArk has prepared a series of security tips on the occasion of the European Data Protection Day.
1. Update the router so that attackers cannot easily break into your home network
Being data security conscious is not just about being wary of phishing attempts and malicious websites. Attackers can easily break into the home network by taking advantage of outdated firmware on routers. Firmware is the software that the router runs on, so old firmware contains many widely known security vulnerabilities, hence the importance of keeping it regularly updated. Ensuring that the router is up to date not only reduces the risk to our own personal information and our home network devices, but it helps protect against attacks that might come unexpectedly through the home network.
2. Activate your laptop's security software
Laptop sales have increased significantly during the lockdown and almost all of them come with some kind of built-in security. On this European Data Protection Day we urge users to realize that just like having a home alarm but not turning it on, the security software on their laptops will not adequately protect them unless it is activated and up to date. Regardless of whether you have Windows Defender or any other security software, it is essential to make sure that the product you are using is active and with the latest security updates. This way, you can better identify and proactively correct any security issues before your data is at risk.
3. User Access Control - Think Before You Click
Another threat to be aware of is the malicious use of User Access Control (UAC). The UAC manifests itself as a pop-up window that asks the user if they really want to make a change to their computer, for example when installing new software. In most cases, it will grant elevated privileges to the software requesting the permission in the form of a pop-up. Each time this permission is granted, what is being done is allowing the software to have greater access to our computer; mainly to have more power over him. The familiar appearance of this popup window is used as a decoy by attackers to install malware or steal credentials, with the aim of infiltrating a person's PC or a company's corporate network.
4. Protection against malicious URLs
Malicious URLs are web links created for the purpose of scamming, launching cyberattacks, or perpetrating fraud, so each click on one of these is a real danger to data. They are often used for phishing, whereby the victim is tricked into revealing personal banking details, passwords, and other important credentials. Malicious URLs can also host viruses and malware, run code on your laptop, or redirect a user to other Internet locations from which ransomware can be launched. These types of URLs are a constant threat to personal and business devices, but they are easy to avoid. Be careful when you are asked to click on an unsolicited link and use services like 'VirusTotal'
0 Comments