How to Protect Your Online Privacy – 6 Must-Do's from our Experts

Cybercriminals know people reuse their passwords. So, when a hacker obtains millions of usernames and passwords, the attacker uses automated tools to try these usernames and passwords against other websites, such as banks, corporate networks, e-commerce sites, email providers, and social media sites. Think about the damage that could be done if you used the same password for your work and bank accounts.

Hackers are familiar with commonly used passwords - “12345,” “password,” and “qwerty” - and they target these during breaches. Make your passwords difficult to guess. Avoid dictionary words, common phrases, or predictable patterns. Cybercriminals often test every possible combination.

Your passwords should be between 8-12 characters long and include a mix of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Better yet, use a passphrase – a combination of random words or a sentence that only makes sense to you. A reliable password manager can generate and store strong passwords for you.

Phishing is one of the most common ways hackers gain access to systems. All it takes is one wrong click. Even if an email looks legitimate, avoid clicking on attachments or links you are not expecting. Most high-profile data breaches occur because a user clicks on a malicious link in an email that appears to be from an ostensibly trusted source.

Always verify the sender before clicking on anything. Hover over links to see where they lead and be cautious with email attachments. When in doubt, visit the website directly rather than clicking a link in an email.

Public Wi-Fi networks are a goldmine for cybercriminals looking to exploit unsuspecting users. These networks often lack encryption, which makes it easier for hackers to intercept your communications and steal your data. Even a simple task such as logging into your bank account over free Wi-Fi can expose your credentials.

Avoid accessing sensitive accounts on public Wi-Fi. Use a reliable virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and make it more secure if using public networks.

Cybercriminals often gather intelligence from social media profiles to target individuals or organizations. The more you share – about your personal life, work, or upcoming travel – the more information attackers must craft personalized phishing scams or launch social engineering attacks.

Limit the personal details you share online. Be cautious about sharing your location, your vacation plans, or details about your workplace. Hackers can exploit such information to launch targeted attacks. Also, adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts.

Hackers often exploit misinformation or disinformation to manipulate individuals or organizations. This can be through fake news, social media posts, or targeted campaigns designed to create confusion and cause harm. Inaccurate or false information creates various types of security breaches.

Always verify news and other information from trusted sources before sharing or acting on it. Be especially careful with emails or messages that seem to be trying to provoke a quick, emotional response. Do not let a sense of urgency cloud your judgment.

While 100 percent security cannot be guaranteed, good cyber hygiene is the first defense against cyber threats. Stay proactive, stay secure!