Post by markbyron on Apr 23, 2016 18:44:23 GMT
1. Ensure your PC/Mac is running anti-virus software and that the virus definitions are updated. Windows includes a free anti-virus package called Windows Defender and Apple provides very limited protection based on a lower risk profile however you can get a free Mac AV application such as Avira. You should strongly consider installing a free app by the name of Malwarebytes that can run in conjunction with your current AV software to check for additional malware that might of escaped detection from your primary AV software.
2. Ensure your mobile phones and tablets are secure as well. For Android devices, you can install AV software as you would with a PC and the aforementioned Malawarebytes is available as well. For iPhones, you’re reliant on Apple’s walled garden for security however check the iPhone (or iPad) for any unknown profiles that you might have inadvertently downloaded and installed (Settings - General - Profies or Profiles & Device Management); if using an iPhone provided by your company, there might be an Enterprise profile; don’t remove that.
3. Ensure your passwords are strong and change them as necessary. A strong password is one that can’t be readily ‘cracked’ - use a site like password.kaspersky.com to test the type of passwords you use and fast they can be cracked. If you have too many accounts and don’t want to keep track of all the various passwords, use a password manager. If using a PC, Lastpass is considered one of the best and in the Apple/Mac/iPhone world, 1Password is highly rated but both are cross-platform however. In either case, you must ensure you pick a master password that can’t be readily cracked or all your passwords could be compromised. If your passwords are weak or you use the same password for all sites, change them immediately, especially the passwords for Minecraft/Mojang, Forum (Proboards), Multiplay (if you have Clanforge), Twitter, Skype, Google, Facebook and especially Tapatalk if you use it to access all your forums including TF. NEVER use the same password for different accounts
4. Use two-factor authentication for services that offer it such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, etc. An app called Authy can make it easer to use and includes tutorials - see www.authy.com/app/mobile/
5. At home, ensure your router/WiFi passwords are strong just the same as your online account passwords; you don’t want all your neighbor or drive-by hacker on your network.
6. On the road, avoid use of open public WiFi or if you must use it, consider using a VPN service that will fully secure your connection between your device and the VPN host. A service such as ExpressVPN is one of many. Do not use VPN services for nefarious activities as these services do not make you anonymous; they only secure your connection between your device and the VPN service provider. If you must use open WiFi without VPN, avoid doing any sensitive activities such as banking.
7. When reviewing emails or using Skype and files are sent to you for download, ensure you trust who sent it and scan the files for malware as noted above; files can also be surreptitiously downloaded in the course of web surfing.
8. If you do get breached, run the checklist again from step 1.
NOTE: When filling out the email address on your forum profile, avoid using an address that's used for your mojang, forum, skype, etc. It's possible for anybody to view that email address and than potentially try to hack it.
Additional suggestions can reviewed in the replies (feel free to contribute)
2. Ensure your mobile phones and tablets are secure as well. For Android devices, you can install AV software as you would with a PC and the aforementioned Malawarebytes is available as well. For iPhones, you’re reliant on Apple’s walled garden for security however check the iPhone (or iPad) for any unknown profiles that you might have inadvertently downloaded and installed (Settings - General - Profies or Profiles & Device Management); if using an iPhone provided by your company, there might be an Enterprise profile; don’t remove that.
3. Ensure your passwords are strong and change them as necessary. A strong password is one that can’t be readily ‘cracked’ - use a site like password.kaspersky.com to test the type of passwords you use and fast they can be cracked. If you have too many accounts and don’t want to keep track of all the various passwords, use a password manager. If using a PC, Lastpass is considered one of the best and in the Apple/Mac/iPhone world, 1Password is highly rated but both are cross-platform however. In either case, you must ensure you pick a master password that can’t be readily cracked or all your passwords could be compromised. If your passwords are weak or you use the same password for all sites, change them immediately, especially the passwords for Minecraft/Mojang, Forum (Proboards), Multiplay (if you have Clanforge), Twitter, Skype, Google, Facebook and especially Tapatalk if you use it to access all your forums including TF. NEVER use the same password for different accounts
4. Use two-factor authentication for services that offer it such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, etc. An app called Authy can make it easer to use and includes tutorials - see www.authy.com/app/mobile/
5. At home, ensure your router/WiFi passwords are strong just the same as your online account passwords; you don’t want all your neighbor or drive-by hacker on your network.
6. On the road, avoid use of open public WiFi or if you must use it, consider using a VPN service that will fully secure your connection between your device and the VPN host. A service such as ExpressVPN is one of many. Do not use VPN services for nefarious activities as these services do not make you anonymous; they only secure your connection between your device and the VPN service provider. If you must use open WiFi without VPN, avoid doing any sensitive activities such as banking.
7. When reviewing emails or using Skype and files are sent to you for download, ensure you trust who sent it and scan the files for malware as noted above; files can also be surreptitiously downloaded in the course of web surfing.
8. If you do get breached, run the checklist again from step 1.
NOTE: When filling out the email address on your forum profile, avoid using an address that's used for your mojang, forum, skype, etc. It's possible for anybody to view that email address and than potentially try to hack it.
Additional suggestions can reviewed in the replies (feel free to contribute)
