While the national lockdown should go a long way to slowing the spread of COVID-19 across the country, the fact that many housebound South Africans are spending more time than usual on their digital devices means it’s more important than ever before to protect yourself from the risks of computer viruses and cybercrime.
“Hackers and cyber-criminals typically become more active when there is an increased dependence by people on digital tools,” says Chief Client Officer for Retail & Business Banking at Nedbank, Anton De Wet.
“However, just as practising good hygiene is key to avoiding COVID-19, practising good cyber hygiene is also the best way of preventing any form of infection or attack on your digital devices.”
And it’s for this reason that here are 6 useful cyber safety tips to survive the lockdown, cybercrime free:
1. Don’t share your bank login details or card information with anyone online or over the phone.
2. Be especially aware of fraudsters impersonating your bank’s fraud department, the police or Microsoft and trying to trick you by saying you’ve already been defrauded into providing them with your personal, digital banking or card details. Do not allow them to access your computer remotely.
3. Enable multi-factor authentication on any apps that allow it. Make use of a reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) or use the one provided by your employer, to protect your online activity from prying eyes.
4. Only use your work-provided technology for work-related tasks. Often, work equipment has various security protocols installed that are not on your personal devices.
5. If you have extra time on your hands, don’t be tempted to visit illegal torrent sites to download pirated movies or TV shows. These are often a front for malware and viruses.
6. Make sure you have a secure, long password on your router and home wi-fi network. And avoid reusing the same password across multiple devices and secure websites.
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