A cybersecurity expert has revealed the five steps you should take to fight online hackers.
Jake Moore has been a cyber crime expert for 13 years and previously worked as head of digital forensics for Dorset Police.
He said, “I find it interesting that the more I talk to people about basic cybersecurity, the more I realize that people either don’t know about it or just put it off.”
‘It’s like taking out insurance. It’s a bit boring. It’s about that balance between safety and convenience.”
Continue reading below as the cybersecurity expert shares his top tips for staying safe online.
Never text
Sharing his first tip, Jake revealed that he would never send an SMS text message or even an iMessage because he says “they are too vulnerable to hacking” (Stock Image).
Sharing his first tip, Jake revealed that he would never send an SMS or even an iMessage because he says “they are too vulnerable to hacking as they can be intercepted by third-party software.” ‘
Alternatively, he advises sending messages only through WhatsApp, because the platform offers end-to-end encryption, which means that no one can intercept messages sent between you and another user.
talking to iNewsJake commented: ‘Let’s go one step further. You can use platforms like Signal. Everyone I talk to about cybersecurity will use Signal to send messages as it is extremely privacy-focused.”
“Both WhatsApp and Signal are encrypted, but Signal collects less metadata about its users: “And you can add more features, like disappearing messages.”
Always update your phone as soon as possible
Moving on to the next tip, Moore says it’s best to automatically update your phone and computer software (File Image)
Moving on to the next tip, Moore says it’s best to automatically update your phone and computer software.
He said: “There are criminals constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit in current operating systems, which means there are particular ways I could send you a message that allows me to access your microphone or your video.”
‘There is some very impressive malware out there. Apple will then discover this vulnerability, fix the issue, and release it in the next update.
Never download TikTok
Jake said he would be reluctant to use TikTok as “a lot of governments around the world are a little nervous about using Chinese apps” (File Image)
Jake’s next advice is unlikely to be accepted by Gen Z phone users, given the popularity of TikTok among their age group.
Jake said he would be reluctant to use the app as “a lot of governments around the world are a little nervous about using Chinese apps.”
Explaining why this might be the case, he said: “The amount of data that Tiktok naturally tracks, even when you tell it not to, is worrying.”
He continued: ‘As soon as you start using these apps that contain a lot of media and content, they start offering default access to the microphone and your photo library.
“Most people don’t even think twice about giving these apps even more access to their phone.”
Hide your phone if you receive an unplanned security text message
As part of his job, Moore has been able to take over WhatsApp accounts simply by sitting next to someone in a cafe or restaurant. “You would start talking to someone and ask for their number,” he explains.
‘I would then log into WhatsApp on my spare phone with their number and then look for the authentication code which I texted them.
‘Most people just assume the text must be an error, but scammers would look over their shoulder to read the code. I’ve been able to take control of someone’s account just by doing that.’
With a scenario like this in mind, you should always protect account codes if you are away from home to ensure that no one else can access them.
Password protect everything, including your photos
Jake suggests using a password manager that provides a unique code for each account, which is saved and encrypted using security software (image file).
While using the same combination of letters and numbers for passwords across multiple accounts makes your life easier, it also makes it easier for your information to be compromised.
As a result, Jake suggests using a password manager that provides a unique code for each account, which is saved and encrypted by security software.
The online security expert commented: ‘I also keep my important documents there, like passport information.
“And on an iPhone, you can lock your photo library behind Face ID, so if someone had access to your phone, they still wouldn’t be able to see them.”
Keep your webcam covered
Moore says he always has his laptop’s webcam covered when not in use, as criminals can hack it to record footage of him when he least expects it (File Image)
Moore says he always keeps his laptop’s webcam covered when not in use, as criminals can hack it to record footage of him when he least expects it.
‘It’s rare, but cybercriminals have been known to hack into personal computers and record webcam footage while a person is undressing or having sex.
He added: “There is malware that allows people to hack your camera and turn it on remotely, which is horrendous.”
“There have been threats to publish images among family and friends, which is terrifying for the victim.”