“Who could possibly want to hack little old me?”
“I’ve got nothing of value on my computer. A few photos, a few emails. I don’t even do online banking! No need to bother with security.”
The truth is this: if you’re currently connected to the Internet, hackers are interested in you. While that might seem alarming, it’s also essential knowledge – online criminals prey on common misconceptions and the general public’s naiveté.
Thankfully, there’s no need to be paranoid. Just steer clear of buying into these 5 popular e-security myths.
1. I’d never get hacked. I’m not important enough!
The Internet’s a big place. Your computer is just one of millions, so the odds seem rather remote that you’ll be targeted. Besides, there are so many more interesting targets … or so the argument goes.
The problem is this: hackers use automated tools to probe for computers with weak security.
In fact, there’s so much probing going on that research by Internet Storm Center (ISC) revealed something quite alarming: an unprotected computer that was newly connected to the Internet would be compromised within just 7 minutes.
Most of the time, it’s true that you won’t be targeted individually. However, Internet-wide dangers might involve your computer being used for other sinister purposes (see point 3).
2. My antivirus program will protect me from all threats.
While having an antivirus program installed is an essential part of being secure online, it’s only just the first step. Most packages cover a range of adware, spyware, malware and other security hazards, but they’re not enough keep you fully safe on the net.
There are a variety of software packages out there, all with different specialties, strengths and weaknesses. It’s a good idea to check what your antivirus software is actually protecting you from.
For example: what you might think is a total antivirus package may only be scanning for spyware, and while you might think your antivirus includes a firewall, this might not be the case.
Most importantly: your antivirus software won’t save you from yourself. If you download and run something you shouldn’t, give out your personal information, or fall for the various Internet scams making the rounds, you’ll be in a world of hurt … no matter how great your antivirus software is.
3. I don’t keep anything sensitive on my computer, so I don’t really need to protect it.
Tying in with point one above, many hackers are simply not interested in what’s on your drive. Believe it or not, you’re actually sitting on a highly valuable commodity already: a broadband-connected computer.
Online criminals can use your storage space as a remote server for illegal material, or your machine could be used as a ‘zombie’ in a large-scale Denial of Service (DOS) attack. In short, it could result in a massive bill from your Internet service provider, or even a house call from law enforcement.
Furthermore, are you sure you don’t have any valuable information on your computer? Emails to relatives could be used for identity theft, and your browser can store passwords to online services like shopping and banking. Think carefully about what’s really on your machine!
4. My browser’s ‘Private Mode’ lets me browse anonymously and hides my location.
Most popular browsers now come with a ‘private mode’ – a way to browse the Internet without storing your activity in History or saving what you type in the address bar. Sadly, while it might seem that it offers total anonymity online, this isn’t the case.
Private browsing will only protect your privacy from other people who might borrow your computer. It won’t, however, hide you from the rest of the Internet: a land of cookies, scripts, ISP logs and more.
The websites you visit can still keep a record of your time there, your Google searches can still be stored in your Google account and any extensions or plugins you run might still be remembering your browsing habits.
If you use Internet Explorer, Chrome or Firefox: Microsoft, Google and Mozilla each have their respective FAQs on what to expect from your browser’s private mode:
5. I don’t visit anything risky, so I don’t need to worry about Internet security.
There’s a lot to be said for common sense, but it’s still not a foolproof way to keep you safe online.
Your own e-security can depend a lot on the actions of others, like when your favourite websites don’t adequately protect the data you store with them. Popular sites can also fall victim to hijacking, like when a YouTube video exposed some users to a banking Trojan back in February 2014.
As well, many websites are still using weak and outdated security measures to protect your information. While you might not get hacked individually, the sites you have accounts with are often prime targets.
That’s why it’s so important to stay informed. Keep up to date with the latest data breaches so that you can take the first step to protecting your accounts – changing your password. By following our social media feeds on Facebook and Twitter, and signing up with Email Watchdog, we’ll bring you up-to-the-minute alerts in the event of a breach to one of your online accounts.
