6 ways to protect yourself from hackers

Where was the last public place you visited that had Wi-Fi? These days, nearly every coffee shop, library, airport and hotel offers a way to access the internet from your mobile phone, tablet or laptop. That means the information you have on your device could be available to hackers in the area – unless you’ve taken steps to protect your data. There is a wealth of information about protecting yourself online via www.netsafe.org.nz. Here is a selection of easy-to-implement ways to improve your online safety.

This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many people check their bank accounts or make purchases with a credit card while using public Wi-Fi. It’s best to do those things on a secure connection.

Hackers can use certain features on your phone to get at your information, location or connection. So, instead of keeping your GPS, wireless connection and geo-tracking on all the time, just turn them on when you need them.

Only download apps from trustworthy sources that have established a good reputation. Make sure you update your software and apps regularly and get rid of old apps you don’t use.

Consider managing your passwords via a reputable encrypted password manager such as dashlane.com. Make sure your passwords are at least eight characters long, with a mix of upper and lower case, and include numbers or other characters, and never use the browser auto-complete feature for passwords. You can use the storage encryption feature on your phone to protect your private data, and set your screen to timeout after five minutes or less.

Phishing is one of the most common forms of cybercrime. Cybercriminals attempt to steal your information by sending fake messages. If you’re not sure about the source, don’t use the link or open the attachment.

Make sure your data is secure if your mobile device is stolen or lost. You can set up your device to lock itself after a pre-set number of failed log-in attempts.