Having a connected device is a necessary part of modern life. The internet makes our lives easier, and provides us with near unlimited information about any topic, as well as a wealth of entertainment options. However, there are dangers involved with connecting to the internet, especially if you’re using an unsecured network.
(Photo by Alesia Kazantceva on Unsplash)
Your personal details and files could be at risk unless your device is properly secured against attacks. Cybercriminals are getting increasingly creative as they find new ways to gain access to the devices of their unsuspecting victims. If you have a Mac device, you might think you’re safe from viruses and other security threats. However, there are still steps you need to take to ensure you’re safe when using the internet.
Secure File Sharing
Most modern devices are equipped to share files through Bluetooth quickly. If you have a Mac or iOS device, you can use the AirDrop feature to share files, photos and videos with your friends instantly. It’s easy to learn how to turn on AirDrop on Mac, as you simply need to open the Finder app, select AirDrop and then choose your preferred discoverability option.
When choosing the discoverability, it’s best to set it to off or contacts only. If you allow everyone to see you, it means anyone in the vicinity can share files with you. This might not seem like an issue, but there’s no telling what people might send, and AirDrop can be used to share files containing malware. While you can deny a file, it’s best to properly configure the discoverability so you don’t need to worry about unwanted files.
Only ever accept files through AirDrop or other means if you trust the person sending the file. In addition, you should take care when sending files to friends and family. Make sure you’re scanning files before you send them to help ensure you don’t accidentally spread malware to other users.
Avoiding Phishing Attacks
While cyber criminals can use malicious software to gain access to your device, the simplest and most commonly used method of attack is phishing. This is essentially tricking a user into giving their personal details or passwords, usually by pretending to be a trusted person or company. Phishing attacks will generally spoof messages or emails from a bank or similar company.
Spotting a phishing scam is often quite difficult, as these can be vey sophisticated and convincing messages. The key is to always check the address the message is being sent from. Is it an email or number that you recognise? If you’re unsure, don’t respond, and never provide any personal information. You can double check the authenticity of a message by going to the company’s website and speaking to their customer service.
One thing to note is that no matter who you’re speaking to, a professional customer service representative should never ask for your password. You should also be wary of clicking on links that are sent to you, as they can lead you to a spoofed website or download malware on your device.
Back Up Files
Many cybercriminals now use ransomware attacks, which lock you out of your files and prevent you from accessing them. While you can avoid this by following the steps above, it’s also helpful to have backups of all your files in case something happens. In addition, if you suffer from some kind of computer virus or other issues, you can simply wipe your hard drive and start again with a clean slate.
Make sure you’re backing up all of your important files, either on local external storage or using a cloud storage service. Both options allow you to easily transfer files across whenever you need them, and are useful in the event of a serious security breach.
