As most of our day-to-day activities are transitioning to online platforms, there is an increase of our personal and private data online, like our home addresses, work addresses, phone numbers, etc. While this makes our lives easier, it also brings up the risk of getting hacked, which isn’t something we look forwards to.

With access to our information online, a hacker can easily leak our private and personal information, photos and even steal our money! This is why we have to take a few simple extra steps to avoid getting hacked. 

1. Use two-factor authentication as much as possible

Two-factor authentication will add an additional layer of security to the authentication process making it harder for hackers to get into to a person's devices or online accounts. 

For example, when you log onto your email, you will be required to type in your password, that will be the first factor. Then, the second step is when a code will be sent to your smartphone. This means the hacker will not only need your password but also direct access to your phone number and smartphone. Although it does add a few seconds to your logging in process, it ensures that you are safe from any potential hackers. 

2. Use a strong password with different special codes for each page

One of the common things that people do is use the same strong password for all their accounts on various pages. This means that if the hacker gets that password, they can access all your accounts on all the pages you have registered to that email. 

One good way to protect yourself from this is by having a special code for each page. For example, if your password is PassWord@1234, you could add the code to the back of your password depending on what page it is. If it is Instagram, your password could be PassWord@1234instg

This way the hacker will not only need to know your password but also the special codes you have set for each of your pages. 

3. Don’t use public Wi-Fi or public computers. 

When you aren’t at home, try your best to use your own personal hotspot or your own personal devices instead of using the public ones, especially when it is related to online banking or other highly personal accounts. Anything you do while connected to public Wi-Fis or devices can be spied on!

4. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)

VPNs are very effective as they provide privacy, anonymity and security to users by creating a private network connection across a public network connection. You might have to pay for it, but it is better to be safe than sorry! Bitdefender is a good anti-virus software that also provides a VPN service. 

The good thing about VPN is that your can get access to Netflix shows around the world depending on where your virtual location is set to. 

5. Don’t click on suspicious links in text messages or emails

This is a very important tip. Most people just click on link that they receive on WhatsApp without thinking it through. This is one of the tactics used by hackers to steal your information. They often send links via email or text that look legit but when you click on it, it allows them to gain access to your personal information. 

In conclusion, you can never be too careful. As the Malay saying goes "sediakan payung sebelum hujan", which translates to, prepare a umbrella before it rains, or in other words, just always be prepared.