1.     Hackers will not target me because I don’t own much.

Many people think that the bad guys will not go after them. “I only have a laptop and a phone, hackers will not target me. I don’t have a lot.” This is the most common misconception. You may have other devices that are connected to the internet that you are not aware of. Do you watch shows on Netflix or Apple TV, Disney+? Do you monitor the baby room or your front door from a camera? Do you monitor your heart rate while working out? Do you have voice-controlled devices? If you answer yes to any of the questions, then you own more devices than you think of! If hackers gain access to your devices, they can steal your personal information and sensitive files. They can either extort you through ransomware or sell your personal information online. They can also use the compromised device to access your online banking. Additionally, your email contacts are a gold-mine for hackers! The bad guys can also target your friends or family through you. If hackers compromise your email, they can use that to trick your contacts by appearing to be you. They can then jump from your stuff to your friends or family and attempt to steal their information.

Reality:

| Hackers can target individuals even if they appear to be of low value.

2.     Wi-Fi networks with password are generally safe to use.

You need to access the internet but don’t want to burn your data usage. You see the lock symbol on the Wi-Fi from the Coffee Shop nearby. You use the password that the barista generously shared to you after paying for your latte. Then, you connect to it and browse your email, social media, and online banking. However, you didn’t realize that a hacker may have already established an unfettered access to the Wi-Fi network. This is the perfect opportunity for hackers to eavesdrop to your internet browsing. It’s also called as Man-In-The-Middle Attack wherein the hacker will place themselves between you and the public Wi-Fi connection point. The hacker may have access to every piece of information you’ve sent out to the internet such as important emails, banking information and security credentials to your business networks. They can then use the stolen information to access the systems and appears as if they were you.

Reality:

| Public Wi-Fi that appears to be free come with cost. Use them with caution.



3.     The password written on my notebook is safe.

You may think that that it is okay to write down the password of the low-value account you created recently. Think again! If you have written down the password this time, chances are, you have been accustomed to writing down your passwords. It only takes one person to see that notebook and all the accounts you’ve written to that notebook may be compromised.

Reality:

I It is never safe to write down passwords even if you think that you are the only person who have access to it. Use a password manager instead.