11 Steps to Digital Security: How to Protect Your Online Accounts from Hackers and Scammers

Nowadays, we heavily rely on online services like banking, social media, and email. These platforms store important data about us and even grant access to our finances. But what happens if this information falls into the wrong hands? Phishing, malware, and other cyber threats lurk for unwary users, ready to exploit any mistake we make.

Yurii Shatylo, Head of Cybersecurity at MODUS X, shares practical tips on protecting your online accounts and securing your digital identity.

Why is it Important to Care About Online Account Security?

Your accounts are your digital identity. They contain valuable information that fraudsters can use for theft, spreading misinformation, and other malicious activities. Protecting your accounts helps prevent financial losses, preserve your reputation, and ensure privacy.

Cybercrime in Numbers:

• According to the Cyber Police of Ukraine, over 3,600 cybercrimes were detected in 2023 alone.
• Annually, losses from cybercrime reach trillions of dollars.
• According to Verizon, 68% of data breaches are related to human error, such as weak passwords, phishing, and social engineering.
• A recent Gartner survey showed that 80% of organizations plan to increase their spending on information security in 2024.

How to Avoid Falling into the Trap of Cybercriminals: 11 Tips for Protecting Your Online Accounts

1. Use strong and unique passwords

Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Each account must have a password that differs from any other. Avoid using obvious passwords such as birthdays or names.

2. Add two-factor authentication (2FA)

This is an extra layer of security that requires you to confirm your login with a code sent to your phone or email. Even if someone learns your password, they won’t be able to log in without this code.

3. Regularly update your passwords

Update your passwords regularly, mainly when there is a suspicion of a data breach. Use a password manager to store and generate complex passwords securely.

4. Check your privacy settings

Control what information you share on social media and other services. Limit access to personal data and posts.

5. Connect only to trusted Wi-Fi networks

Avoid using public Wi-Fi to access important accounts like online banking. Use a VPN to encrypt your traffic.

6. Download apps from official sources

Use only Google Play, App Store, or Microsoft Store. Avoid downloading apps from unverified sources, as they may contain malware.

7. Install updates

Regularly update your operating system and apps to receive the latest security patches. This will help protect you from new vulnerabilities that attackers can exploit.

8. Beware of phishing

Be wary of emails, messages, and websites that look suspicious. Check sender addresses and URLs before clicking on links or entering personal information.

9. Don’t fall for social engineering

Be careful who you give personal information to. Attackers can use manipulation to trick you into giving up your data.

10. Protect your mobile devices

Set a strong password or use biometric authentication. Download apps only from official stores and install security updates.

11. Back up your data

Regularly create backups of important data to recover it in case of device loss or damage.

Protecting your online accounts is not a one-time action, but an ongoing practice. By following these tips, you will reduce the risks of cyberattacks and keep your data safe. Don’t postpone protecting your online accounts. Check your account security settings today and ensure you’re doing everything possible to protect your digital identity.

Integrated Approach of MODUS X

At MODUS X, we realize that effective cybersecurity requires more than just technological solutions. Therefore, we integrate human resources, technology, and education into our strategies, providing organizations with all the necessary tools to protect their digital assets. From comprehensive consulting to implementation of the required solutions and staff training, MODUS X strives to provide a full range of services to combat various cyber threats.

Thanks to this comprehensive approach, MODUS X helps organizations react to cyber threats and actively counter them, ensuring high security in an unpredictable digital world.

Expertise in MODUS X in cybersecurity

Developing and implementing cyber strategies: Our experts create information security strategies based on current trends, cyber threats, and the maturity level of the cybersecurity management system, taking into account your organisation's needs. We offer information security risk assessments and the development of plans to minimize them.

Cybersecurity: MODUS X protects all aspects of your IT infrastructure, including terrestrial and cloud resources. We offer solutions for user access management, application protection, data, integration of security systems such as NAC, WAF, EDR XDR, SIEM, SOAR, UEBA, IAM & PAM, and vulnerability management.

Cyber resilience: Our services cover audits, preparation for ISO 27000 certification, penetration testing (pentest), response to cyber incidents, vulnerability management, and code analysis. We ensure that your organization is ready to respond to current and future cyber challenges.