Following are the steps we can take to reduce the
risk of getting hacked. Spread the awareness to your near and dear to prevent
them from becoming a victim of cyber crime. Always be alert while surfing the
net. A small mistake can cost a high loss.
1. If you want to store your personal information
online, store it in an encrypted format. Keep the physical copies of your
financial documents and records in a safe place.
2. Before you dispose of a computer or a smart phone,
permanently delete all information from the internal storage by using various software
tools and methods available. Keep in mind that printers, copiers, and fax
machines can also retain data which must be removed before selling or donating.
3. Do not disclose any personal or financial
information to an unknown recipients. The banks and other financial
institutions will not ask you for personal information including account
number, PIN, Passwords or OTPs over the phone or email. Never give out
information over the phone, through the mail, or over the Internet unless you
have initiated the contact or know who you are dealing with.
4. If you are receiving an email from bank or other
financial institutions or any other unknown entity asking you to provide any
specific personal information, do not click any links provided in those emails.
Instead open the website of that bank or financial institution and contact the
customer care if necessary.
5. Avoid posting personal information such as age,
date of birth, maiden name, relationship status, address, or other identifying
information on social media sites.
6. Keep your passwords confidential. Use different
and complex passwords for different sites used by you. Be sure to include
special characters, numbers, and a mix of upper and lower-case characters to
assure password complexity.
7. Avoid using Wi-Fi without any authentication.
Secure your home and office Wi-Fi by providing authentication.
8. Always use licensed software. Secure your
computer and smart phone with a licensed anti-virus and anti-malware software.
Turn on your personal firewall.
9. Update your products regularly.
