Cybersecurity: Everything you need to know to protect your important files from hackers

Privacy was once thought of as our instinctual rights as humans. We used to think that our online work, data, and files were protected from malicious behaviors. With the slew of hackers in this generation, unfortunately, times have drastically changed. Many governments have complete access to all their citizen's personal online data, and cyberattacks are at an all-time high. Keeping your data safe is at the heart of the privacy pandemic we're currently experiencing. We're giving you insider tips to ensure your important files will always remain safe from hackers.

How to practice safe online habits:

An Internet Service Provider or ISP always monitors your internet activity. That's normal; however, your ISP is in jeopardy of being hijacked by a hacker. While you, the consumer, can't do much about attacks on an ISP, you can take extra cybersecurity measures to ensure your information remains untouched. Follow the guidelines below to ensure your data is safe from hackers.

• Don't use email to send important data:
Many of us believe that email is safe, and it's understandable to think why. Major media providers like Gmail, Yahoo, and Outlook make us presume that when we send a private email, it remains protected. However, that's not the case. Not only do the companies have full access to everything you send through their platforms, but they also don't always put the best cybersecurity practices to use.


• Practice secure file transferring:
What exactly does secure file transferring mean? When you send data from one person to another over the internet, that data may have succumbed to an online attack. If a hacker is on the same network as you, or the person receiving the files, they can get access to them. Use file-sharing tools, like Trustwire, to ensure hackers can't steal your personal information. Trustwire uses end-to-end encryption, which encodes information and makes it unreadable by unauthorized parties. That means only you and the person receiving the file will be able to see it. Trustwire can be used from anywhere in the world, without having to clog your laptop with pesky applications.


• Invest in a mobile hotspot:
While sitting in your local coffee shop with free Wi-Fi, you may want to think before you click the connect button. Yes, free Wi-Fi is enticing, but hackers may be able to access the info you are sending through these public, unsecured Wi-Fi networks. If you can, avoid all public Wi-Fi if you plan on making an online purchase, sending sensitive information, or logging in to your baking details. To avoid relying on free Wi-Fi, use a mobile 4G/LTE connection through your smartphone. Most cellular providers offer unlimited data today for fair prices. While you may have to tack on a few extra bucks at the end of the month on your phone bill, it will be well worth it in the long run.

To learn more about how Trustwire can be a useful tool against ransomware attacks and other cybercrimes.