Do you know any friends, family or colleagues who have had their email hacked, social media accounts compromised or even identity stolen? Feeling left out and want to know what it’s like to have no access to your bank account or credit cards? Looking forward to spending hours on the phone with friendly customer service reps trying to help you get your life back? Then we have some surefire “get hacked” advice for you!
1. Skip the Update
Who has the time and what good do updates really do anyway?
Typically, there are 4 reasons for an app update. The most critical is usually related to security. Because hackers are constantly evolving the way they break into applications, so too are the app developers who are busy anticipating and reacting to potential hacks by releasing new updates. If the update isn’t related to security it’s either for stability purposes (keeping the app from freezing up or crashing), adding features (most often requested by users) and to improve the overall application performance (speed things up).
If you’re looking to attract hackers, not updating your apps is certainly going to make you more popular!
2. Use Simple, Popular & Easy to Remember Passwords
Passwords can be so hard to remember, why not KISS (Keep It Short & Simple)?
The simpler the password, the easier it is and less time it takes for a hacker to break into your account. Remember, the hacker doesn’t try breaking in online, they instead steal the password file, crack it offline, and then login with the hacked password to access your account.
If you want to be sure of having the simplest and most popular passwords, be sure to use one of the passwords found on SplashData’s 2017 list of Worst Passwords. Be every hacker’s dream and remember to KISS (Keep It Short & Simple).
3. Use Open Wi-Fi
Doesn’t the security software on my computer protect me when I access an open Wi-Fi system?
Accessing a wireless access point, such as the free Wi-Fi at Starbucks, leaves you wide open for anyone else using that access point to “sniff” your username and password. After that, anything you have stored on your computer, including your email, is fair game for your Hacker.
When looking to be hacked, visiting your local coffee shop and jumping on unsecured Wi-Fi will certainly bring your computer to the attention of potential hackers.
If you’re NOT looking to be hacked and want to be safe and secure, our recommendation is to:
- Update all of your applications when an update notification is provided – this will keep your apps in sync with the latest security protocols.
- Consistently use SplashID – follow good password hygiene.
- Set-up your own VPN – do a Google search and you can find instructions on how to do this yourself or recommendations for a VPN provider.
Be vigilant, pay attention and keep yourself safe and secure. Maintain the appropriate security on your computer and mobile devices. Always know to whom you are sharing information (especially your Social Security number) and use common sense. Be sure to ask yourself, what’s the worst that can happen, and then take the appropriate action.
