Why your account got “hacked” and the steps to avoid it
We’ve all had that one Facebook friend that lost their account because it had been compromised. Then another account is made by them, clarifying that they got “hacked” and to disregard the other account and report it. This cycle sometimes repeats several times depending on the demographic. This is all too common and it has always been on my mind on how this happens and what we could do to help avoid this.
What could lead people to fall for these? There are several factors that apply depending on the situation. In most cases it may just be a scam or phishing link that has been sent to them and unfortunately been gullible and ignorant enough to click it. This is the most common. During my time here in the Philippines, I’ve observed that Information Security and Media and Tech Literacy isn’t really taken seriously by the youths. There are of course exceptions, but a majority of them don’t. Which is surprising.
Account security is not really taken priority in the Philippines, especially with the youth. A lot of people I know use simple passwords that could be guessed easily, use the same passwords for other accounts, sign in or log in into suspicious or scam services, and willingly upload and post sensitive information that can be found easily and used for malicious intent. This is a major security risk.
This leads us to tech literacy in the Philippines especially in the education system. Ever since the implementation of the K-12 curriculum by the Department of Education, tech/digital literacy have coincided with it. But this does not include important information security, internet privacy and cybersecurity practices. All it teaches is multimedia skills and vocational skills which is frankly not enough for the 21st century. With 75% of Filipinos having access to the internet in 2022, and more and more Filipinos working, communicating, and using the internet daily, awareness of internet privacy and security has not improved or at most only a certain percentage are aware.
As more Filipinos use the internet everyday especially during the pandemic, more Filipinos also need to be aware of the risks and the responsibilities that go into managing their own accounts. Being responsible and taking security seriously not only makes us better “Netizens” but also sets good habits and practices.
These are several steps we can take to ensure that our accounts will have a lower risk of being “hacked”.
1. Use a password manager
Using a password manager helps keep track of passwords and generates strong random passwords that can be used on accounts. I highly recommend using a password manager, especially if you have several accounts on different services. Not only are you able to keep track of all your passwords and never have to click “Forgot Password” ever again but you could also avoid using the same passwords for different services.
2. Make your passwords more complex
A complex password is a good password. Try to avoid using passwords with your name, birthdate, your number, or anything that is related to your personal identification. I recommend a random password generator that is at least 12 characters long. This is where a good password manager comes in handy, in that way you don’t have to make your own passwords or remember it.
3. Stop using the same passwords for all your different services
It’s generally not a good idea to use the same passwords for different services. If you have the same password for your Gmail and your Discord then it increases your vulnerability. If someone manages to get a hold of your password for a particular service, they can most likely also log in to your other services and compromising them.
4. Use two-factor authentication
2FA helps prevent a malicious actor from gaining access to your account even if they have the password to your account.
5. Use common sense
We’ve all been taught in school to read, this skill also applies to being secure on the internet. Being able to identify suspicious links or applications doesn’t need a degree in Computer Science. Always be aware and skeptical with internet services even if you trust them. Remember that there are weaknesses and vulnerabilities in information security and it’s always key to use your mind and your common sense.
It’s up to the user to be responsible for the accounts that they create and use. There is no excuse for ignorance especially when growing up with the internet. The information you have and the accounts that you use are an extension of you, an extension of your thoughts, personal information and your communication. To those willingly ignorant of protecting themselves and being irresponsible despite the risks deserve the loss of their accounts. There will always be malicious actors that have put value into your accounts to help spread bullshit scam links or malicious payload. Pay attention and use common sense.
