When doing private things online like purchasing or checking your bank accounts, be sure to use your VPN client. VPN stands for Virtual Private Network and encrypts all your data being sent across it. Some websites work differently, and just because one page is secure doesn't mean the next is and hackers can easily steal information that is not secured.
When purchasing items online, use a preloaded debit/credit card instead of using your credit card linked to your bank account. This will limit what the thieves can take from you. If you do use your credit/debit cards that are linked to your account, set the limit of how much you can draw out in a day to a low amount.
Don't click on banner ads for products. Hackers are turning their attention to banner ads as a vehicle for targeting your computer and your sensitive information. Some banner ads are now a source of malware, which is malicious code that can harm your computer or hijack it so the hackers can use your PC's memory capacity for criminal purposes. Bad banner ads may attempt to trick you into installing spyware or viruses on your computer.
If something starts automatically downloading on your computer, disconnect from the internet and shut down the computer. Log into the account and run a virus scan on all users. Some programs can disguise themselves as virus removal programs
When using sites that are visible to the public like Facebook, and dating sites, there is usually a profile involved. Watch what you allow to be seen even to friends. Things such as where you work, income level, religious affiliations, or political affiliation, hobbies and interests are all ways hackers can gain your trust and gain access to all kinds of things. This is the exact tactics used in dating scams where people fall in love with someone and they end up sending them thousands of dollars just for them to disappear with all the money. Think about it, you hand someone a book of your life. This tactic is called social engineering.
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