More than 80% of confirmed breaches are related to stolen, weak or reused passwords. 

From outdated or weak passwords to those that are reused or compromised, improper handling of passwords remains the primary factor behind breaches. The sheer magnitude of the issue is evident with more than 4.2 billion credentials being exposed in 2016 alone. This vast pool of leaked credentials provides attackers with an easy avenue to infiltrate corporate networks and exfiltrate sensitive data. 

Even a single reused password can serve as a gateway to compromise an entire organization’s security. This concern is not new and, unfortunately, intensifies annually as breaches impact companies across industries and of varying sizes. What is particularly alarming is that despite the substantial data illustrating the severity of the situation, businesses are yet to prioritize addressing this crisis concerning password security. 

According to Dashlane, the average person has 240 accounts that require passwords. 

In today’s digital age, having multiple accounts for various online activities is non-negotiable. However, the convenience of using the same password across platforms can overshadow the need for strong and unique passwords. This practice exposes your accounts to potential hacks and security breaches. 

To counter these risks, follow the simple tips we have outlined in the following paragraphs to enhance your password security. 

10 Must-Know Tips To Improve Your Password Security

1. Avoid Sharing Your Passwords:

Ensuring password security involves refraining from sharing them carelessly with others. Keeping your passwords private significantly reduces the chances of unauthorized access to your accounts. 

2. Avoid Using Personal Information, Common Words, or Phrases:

When crafting your password, it’s advisable to steer clear of incorporating personal information like your name, birthdate, or pet’s name. Using easily accessible details increases the vulnerability of your password to guessing or cracking. Additionally, opting for random patterns rather than common words or phrases greatly enhances password security. 

3. One Password, One Account:

Resist the urge to use the same password across multiple accounts. This practice reduces the risk that a hacker who gains access to one password can compromise other accounts as well. 

4. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

Embracing multi-factor authentication wherever possible adds an extra layer of defense between potential hackers and your personal data. When prompted to enable two-factor authentication, take it seriously. 

5. Special Characters and Numbers:

Incorporating special characters and numbers into your passwords enhances security. These additions create more intricate combinations, increasing the difficulty for hackers attempting to crack your passwords. 

6. Increase Your Password Length:

Boosting password length is an effective method to enhance complexity and resilience against hacking attempts. Security experts recommend passwords exceeding 16 characters to reinforce their strength. 

7. Avoid Documenting Your Passwords:

Writing passwords on paper introduces risks to online security. If these written passwords end up in the wrong hands, your accounts could be compromised. 

8. Monitor Your Accounts:

Regularly checking for unusual activity and setting up alerts for suspicious logins can prevent potential breaches stemming from compromised passwords. 

9. Use a Password Manager:

Password managers are software applications designed to help you create, save, manage, and use passwords across various online services. They assist in keeping track of your numerous unique passwords. 

10. Change Your Passwords Regularly:

Experts recommend changing passwords every three months or whenever you suspect an account may be compromised. 

Conclusion  

In essence, safeguarding your digital presence through robust password security is a fundamental step in today’s interconnected world. By adhering to these ten crucial tips, you significantly enhance your defenses against cyber threats and unauthorized access. 

From avoiding personal information and embracing uniqueness in passwords to enabling two-factor authentication and consistent monitoring, these practices empower you to take control of your online safety. Moreover, adopting a proactive approach by regularly updating passwords ensures staying ahead of potential breaches. 

Remember, effective password security demands diligence, awareness, and smart decision-making. By applying these essential tips, you equip yourself to safeguard valuable information, financial assets, and personal identity from the reach of cybercriminals. Prioritize your digital well-being and pave the way for a more secure and confident online experience. 

Do you have questions on how to find the perfect cybersecurity solution for your business? Enov8 Solutions can help you. Email us at Info@enov8solutions.tech to get started.

Here is why connecting to public Wi-Fi is risky

The availability of free public Wi-Fi has greatly benefited professionals who require access to their networks and work while on the go. These hotspots are easily found in places like restaurants, hotels, airports, bookstores, and other retail locations. However, this convenience comes at a cost.

To safeguard your important business data, it’s crucial to learn how to protect yourself from these risks.

First, let’s understand what public Wi-Fi means.

What is Public Wi-Fi?

Public Wi-Fi refers to wireless internet networks that are made available to the general public in areas such as airports, hotels, libraries, schools, and other public spaces. These networks are usually free to use and do not require a password or any form of authentication to connect.

About 47% of users connect to public Wi-Fi to save on their cellular data usage while they are out and about.

18% of users opt for public Wi-Fi to work remotely, while 15% use it to stream online content.

For 11% of users, public Wi-Fi is a last resort when they have no cellular connection or simply choose not to use it at all.

In summary, public Wi-Fi serves various purposes, with most people using it to avoid depleting their cellular data. Others use it to stay entertained or work remotely, while some avoid it altogether or only use it as a backup option.

Security Risks of Public Wi-Fi

• Man-in-the-middle Attack

This is one of the most common threats on these networks.
In this type of attack, the hacker intercepts data being sent between two devices and can view, modify, or steal the data.

A man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is a form of cyberattack in which an attacker intercepts a conversation between two parties. This attack can be targeted at individuals, systems, or even a combination of the two. The objective of a MITM attack is to gather personal information, passwords, banking details, or to manipulate the victim into taking certain actions, such as changing login credentials, initiating a fund transfer, or completing a transaction.

• Password Theft

Some hackers use specialized tools to locate passwords saved in your browser or those you entered into websites, apps, or emails while using public Wi-Fi.

Revealing your passwords is one of the most detrimental risks when using public Wi-Fi since it grants malicious hackers direct access to your accounts. The impact is even more severe with business login information.

To safeguard your passwords, a VPN can help prevent prying scammers from accessing them. Additionally, it’s wise to securely store all of your credentials in a password manager. A password manager automatically fills in your login data into websites, concealing it from eavesdropping hackers.

• Snooping for Sensitive data

Public Wi-Fi networks are well known for being prone to surveillance by malicious actors who are searching for confidential documents, including sensitive contracts, invoices, and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

Using public Wi-Fi could put both your personal finances and employment security in danger. Conducting online activities over public Wi-Fi may result in a breach of an NDA (non-disclosure agreement) or jeopardize the work of your colleagues.

To safeguard your sensitive documents, whether you are a business owner or an employee, it is crucial to be mindful of the security risks associated with using public Wi-Fi. Employing robust cybersecurity solutions to protect you and your employees is critical. Also, avoid sending, receiving, or discussing sensitive information over unsecured hotspots.

• Malware distribution

Software vulnerabilities make it possible for attackers to install malware on your computer without your knowledge.

A software vulnerability is a security hole or weakness found in an operating system or software program. Hackers can exploit this weakness by writing code to target a specific vulnerability, and then inject the malware onto your device.

Malware infection of your device can occur when using unprotected public Wi-Fi, allowing attackers to easily introduce harmful software.

Attackers can infect your device by placing a malicious ad on a trustworthy website, coercing you to complete a phishing form, or deceiving you into installing a fake app that captures your keystrokes.

Safeguarding your devices from malware involves utilizing fundamental security measures, such as anti-malware and VPN services. These tools work continuously to secure your data and device as you switch between different Wi-Fi networks.

• Ransomware attacks

Once malicious actors have gained access to your sensitive data, they can blackmail you for its release.

Ransomware attacks increased by 80% in 2022, placing both individuals and businesses at a higher risk.

To safeguard yourself, refrain from logging into sensitive file-sharing services when using public Wi-Fi. However, if it’s necessary, ensure that you use tools like a VPN to encrypt your data. Finally, always keep a backup of your most crucial data in a secure location, preferably disconnected from the internet.

How to protect yourself before and after connecting to a public WIfi

Prior to connecting to public Wi-Fi:

• Activate your VPN.
• Delete your browsing history and cache.
• Verify that your antivirus software is up-to-date and functioning correctly.
• Disable Bluetooth discoverability settings to prevent others from forcing your device to connect to theirs.
• Ensure that you have enabled two-factor or multi-factor authentication (2FA or MFA) for your most critical accounts.
• Disable auto-connect to avoid having your device forcibly linked to Wi-Fi networks.

While using public hotspots:

• Only connect to networks that you can associate with a physical location.
• Log out of any account that is not essential while online.
• Close or exit applications that you do not intend to use.
• Use a password manager to store all your passwords and autofill your login information.
• Avoid entering sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details, social security numbers, home address, etc., while connected to public networks.
• Keep your list of saved Wi-Fi networks limited to only those that you trust.

After disconnecting from a public network:

• Scan your devices for malware using antivirus software.
• Restart your device, as this may help break the connection between it and a potential attacker.
• Remove networks that you do not need from your preferred network list.
• If possible, use your mobile hotspot instead of public Wi-Fi.

CONCLUSION

The same features that make free Wi-Fi desirable for consumers also make it attractive to computer hackers, as it typically requires no authentication to establish a network connection. This presents a golden opportunity for hackers to gain access to unsecured devices on the same network. The most significant threat to free Wi-Fi security is when a hacker positions himself between you and the connection point. This means that instead of communicating directly with the hotspot, you are unwittingly sending your information to the hacker, who then relays it on.

Public Wi-Fi networks are convenient, but they also pose significant risks to your personal and financial security.

While it is possible to use public Wi-Fi safely, it is important to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect yourself. By doing so, you can enjoy the convenience of public Wi-Fi without putting yourself at risk of cyberattacks and other security threats.

Enov8 Solutions’ objective is simple: your data is our top priority, and our data security solutions safeguard your file and email systems against malware, ransomware, advanced persistent attacks, and insider threats.

Do you have questions on how to find the perfect cybersecurity solution for your business? Enov8 Solutions can help you. Email us at Info@enov8solutions.tech to get started.

Email Hacked?

Seven steps you must take immediately.

So the scenario is pretty simple, for one reason or another, you found out that your email account has somehow been compromised. What do you do next?

We are going to give you seven steps to follow.

• Recover your account.

You need to be able to log in to do anything else to your account to secure it after a compromise.

So, follow the recovery procedure provided by your service provider. That typically entails tapping on a link that says I have forgotten my password or I have lost access to my account. You will be guided through a process by that service to demonstrate your identity and why you should be granted access to your account.

Now, the most frequently asked question is, What if I am unable to log into my account? What if my restored data is no longer accurate? What if it simply doesn’t function?

If you can’t log into your account, some email providers give advice on how to restore hacked accounts. so you might be requested to fill out a form to ascertain that it is you who is trying to log into your account.

• Change your password

If you are able to log into your email, change the password immediately. And of course, make it long and strong and secure.

Make it at least 16 characters long with a variety of random characters. If the service permits it, make it a multi-word phrase.

The hacker may still have access to your account even after you log in or retrieve your password. Changing the password to something they don not know and cannot predict is one method you can use to disable that.

• Verify and or change your account recovery information.

The fact that you have been able to get back into your account means that your recovery information is still there. But make sure it is all set to something that you still have access to.

• Check your out of office messages, the auto responders, the forwards and the signatures.

Basically, anything that somebody who had access to your account could have changed while they had access.

Sometimes, when hackers gain access to an account, rather than take it away completely, they simply do things like change your signature, or set up an automatic forward or change a reply-to, so that when people reply to your email, it goes to them, instead.

Your email account offers a lot of customization options. You need to confirm that those have not been changed and are still set to what you anticipated them to be, depending on your service provider.

• Check if related accounts have been compromised.

If they have access to this email account, they may have used it to gain access to other accounts.

This is probably the most terrifying scenario because you need to check all of your other accounts to make sure none of them have been affected, particularly if you can’t access the account anymore and you use this as your main email address. The hacker could request a password change on those other accounts while they have access to your account if this is the account that is used as the email address on other online services.

This implies that they could hack into your Dropbox account, Microsoft account, and any other web accounts you may have by hacking into your main email account. Therefore, be sure to know precisely to which other accounts they might have had access.

• Let your contacts know.

You need to inform your connections to ignore anything that came from you while your account was compromised. So that they do not fall for any of the tricks that the scammer may have sent out while they had access to your account.

• Prevent it

Be proactive

Account hacks are happening all the time. And it is one of those situations where people do not understand how important some of this security is until it hits them.

How about having security in place to prevent it?

Enov8 Solutions’ objective is simple, your data is our top priority, and our Cybersecurity solutions safeguard your file and email systems against malware, ransomware, advanced persistent attacks, and insider threats.

If you have questions on how to find the perfect Cybersecurity solution for your email security? Then email us at Info@enov8solutions.tech

Conclusion

If you have had your account hacked, there was a reason. It could be as a result of your security habits like using weak passwords, ignoring software updates, clicking unverified links, ignoring MFAs etc

Some hygienic security habits are

1. Creating strong passwords and never sharing them with anybody.
2. Ability to recognize phishing emails.
3. Keeping the operating system and other applications on your system as up-to-date.
4. Turning on Multi factor authentication – MFAs are like silver bullets. If a hacker gets your password, they still will be unable to log in without that second factor that only you have. So turn on MFA on your accounts now.

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