Every time someone uses the internet they use one online identification, most often a complicated password, be it an email address, an online bank account, an online retail account, or some other instant message. Off-line identity theft is often a piece-of-work, a thief steals small pieces of information and gradually creates the necessary information about a person or company. Online identity theft is a much bigger & faster threat that can be made by any criminal anywhere in the world. The anonymity of the Internet means that criminals can deceive the user outside of the user’s direct personal details and without knowing who did it or participated in the theft.
By increasing information about an individual’s use of the Internet, such as using e-mail addresses, bank accounts, and reporting details, criminal elements can conditionally become that person online, without anyone later knowing who it was. Criminals can also use technology to their advantage, by releasing certain computer viruses or sending phishing emails, so that their actions can quickly hit, or conditionally say, process millions of Internet users.
At the same time, they cannot maintain a high success rate because they have to stop such work quickly. After all, otherwise, it would be a lucrative way to constantly steal information. If they have identified details for a specific bank account or service, they can transfer money, open a new bank account or credit card account, close a loan or increase credit lines, or obtain new services over the Internet.
Must Read: 5 Ways to Enhance Data Security
Cyber Attacks – Are They Personal?
Even if there is an attack, you feel that you do not have too much valuable data that can steal from you. Sooner or later, such an attitude can lead to a successful cyber attack. It is not a question of how important you are or not, because there is nothing personal in a cyber attack. Cybercriminals use automated tools to exploit your system’s vulnerabilities and take everything they can from you.
They can steal your personal information and can use your computer as a means of attacking other users (DDoS), which in itself has a certain value. And the little information they get about you can be of great importance, especially if they combine it with the information they came from other sources. In that way, they create a more complete picture of you and increase the probability of becoming a victim of identity theft. Why take a risk when there are a lot of protection mechanisms and tools?
You cannot expect one solution to protect you from malware, data theft, attacks, and all known and unknown threats. A good defense system must have more layers, just as a fortress has more protective walls.
Strong Password Equals Better Security
Yes, it is recommended to create a strong password. It should contain more than 15 characters, lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. In doing so, the password should be a set of random characters to make it even more difficult for potential attackers. But keep in mind that all this is not enough to be safe. This is just one of the few levels of security that must exist to be safe.
The next security measure is to verify that the password is unique. Do not use the same password two or more times because this way the attacker will be able to access other accounts in which you used the same password by detecting one. Wherever possible, use two-factor authentication for added protection.
Long, complex, and unique passwords have one major drawback – they are hard to remember. We all have dozens of different accounts so this problem becomes even more pronounced, especially if the recommendation to change passwords from time to time is followed. Do not write down passwords, either on a computer or on paper, as this only increases the risk. Instead, the problem can be solved by securely storing and encrypting passwords using password storage software called password managers.
It is not difficult to make a fake order and put any name as the name of the sender. If you do not have enough experience in detecting suspicious mail, one click is enough to pick up the malware. If you click on send a link or attachment you can download some of the dangerous malware.
Malicious emails can act as if they were sent by a colleague or some financial institution, most often a bank. They may seem convincing enough to trick you into sending sensitive information. As we said, cyber-attackers can also insert malicious content on legitimate sites that we consider safe. Worst of all, site owners often do not know that their site has been compromised, but only find out when visitors start complaining that they have picked up malware on their site. So don’t count on-site administrators, they are usually overwhelmed with work and can’t send all the activities.
Password Managers & How They Upgrade Our Security
Using a password manager will change your life. These programs store all your passwords in one encrypted vault that can only be opened using the master password you create and only you know about it. Keeper Password Manager & Digital Vault is a prime example of an easy to use the tool. Features like Breach Watch, Dark Web Protection, Keeper Chat, and Admin Console are just a few that provide you better password security. Since this software can’t even see that master password, you should choose a unique password that you can remember – but avoid the very simple ones (such as birthdays or pet names) that anyone can see on your Facebook page.
Password managers have received excellent reviews from many security experts; it was easy to use. This software has the features you’re looking for, such as compatibility for added security and with a single mobile app that uses a fingerprint sensor on my phone. It also notifies me when my passwords are weak or used on multiple websites, and it can also automatically generate passwords and sync them to all my devices. The results are encouraging. Hackers are unable to gain access to password data (which is encrypted) nor have they accessed master passwords. Password managers store password information on your computer, not online and in the cloud.
They are all good, with different features and interfaces. I recommend that you research them all and see which one suits your needs. So, in other words, it’s like looking for good opportunities for holiday gifts, but it can pay off much better.