Protection

There are a variety of options when it comes to protecting your information online, for both preventative and post hacking measures. In this section, I will review some of the most common and basic pieces of advice for protection online.

Preventative Actions

1. Always assume you are the target: Most people that get hacked have said at least once that it will never happen to them, your information is valuable and you should act like you are going to be hacked instead of like it will never happen. (Berkley)

2. Keep software up to date: Computer manufacturers have periodic security updates for a reason. These are often automatic and ensure that your computer is safe from the newest dangers around the internet. If there is a new virus going around, chance are your computer will have an update to make sure it is protected against it. (Berkley)

3. Password Management is Key: Pun not intended but a good password that is at least 14 characters and generally a phrase is best to use. It is long enough and complex enough that it will be difficult for hackers to figure out your password. Ideally you also may want to periodically change your password and have different ones for each site that you create one for. Another option is to have a randomly generated password with a combination of numbers and letters. These can all be saved to a password manager so you do not need to write them down. (DOL)

4. Install an Antivirus or Antimalware: A classic hack from the early days of computers, you always want to have an antivirus or antimalware program installed on your computer. It provides an additional layer of protection besides the default that a computer already has and, in some cases, can eliminate existing viruses. 

5. Multifactor Authentication: Multifactor is the annoying two step process you go through to sign into some accounts, where you get a code on another device after signing in then enter it in order to actually access your content. As cumbersome as it is, multifactor authentication is important because it provides another shield, for your information. You need to use a device that is owned by you to verify your identity and the fact that you signed in. If you don't have it, someone could sign in and you would be none the wiser until something goes pear shaped.  (FTC)

6. Phishing: If you don't know the email, if it doesn't look right, or something just looks off assume that it is a phishing email as discussed before. Don't click any unfamiliar links, especially if you didn't ask for them, if the email isn't right or is from someone other than the organization listed then don't sign in through the email. (Example, an email says it is from work, but it is using a generic Gmail address, something that your work has never done, don't click the link.) (DOL)

7. Backup Your Information: You always want to backup your information, because it is easy to have all of your information wiped if you have been hacked. If you don't have it secured and backed up important information will be gone and you will never be able to access it again. (Canadian Center for CS)

Post Hacking Measures

1. Power Down Devices: This is especially important for businesses but the best way to stop  an attack is to power down the device. You are killing it right in its steps, for the people who will get the reference, you pull the plug. (Canadian center)

2. Disconnect from Your Home Wi-Fi: Again, this is for if you are in the middle of an attack, but you want to disconnect as soon as possible because if you don't and the virus spreads to the Wi-Fi system there is a high likelihood that other devices will be infected as well. (Canadian Center)

3. Change your passwords: The first step after being hacked is to change all of your passwords. This makes sure that any passwords to accounts you have will no longer be compromised and hackers will not be able to get into your accounts. The change in passwords ranges from your bank account sign in to the puppy dog picture page that you like to look at for fun. (Canadian center)

4. Report it: Sometimes you need to report it, especially if it is a big organization. Most computer manufacturers will have you report a virus as a home user, and if it a work computer you want to report it to the main organization in order for them to secure it. (DOL)