I’m a cybersecurity expert… here are my FIVE tips to protect you from hackers

A cybersecurity expert has revealed the five steps he takes to combat hackers online.

Jake Moore has been a cybercrime expert for 13 years and previously worked as head of Dorset Police’s digital forensics unit.

He said: ‘I find it interesting that the more I talk to people about basic cyber security, the more I realize that people don’t know about it, or just put it off.

‘It’s like arranging your insurance. It’s a bit boring. It’s about the balance between safety and convenience.’

Read on below as the cybersecurity expert shares his top tips for protecting yourself online.

Never send text messages

Sharing his first tip, Jake revealed that he would never send a text message or even an iMessage because he says they are “too vulnerable to hacking as they can be intercepted by third-party software.” ‘

Alternatively, he recommends only sending messages via WhatsApp, as the platform offers end-to-end encryption, meaning messages sent between you and another user cannot be intercepted by anyone.

Speak with iNewsJake commented, “Going one step further. You can use platforms like Signal. Everyone I talk to in cybersecurity will use Signal for messaging because it is extremely privacy-focused.”

‘Both WhatsApp and Signal are encrypted, but Signal collects less metadata about its users: ‘And you can add more features, such as disappearing messages.’

Always update your phone as soon as possible

Moving on to his next tip, Moore says it’s best to update your phone and computer software automatically.

He said: ‘There are criminals who are constantly looking for vulnerabilities they can exploit in today’s operating systems, which means there are certain ways I can send you a message that means I can access your microphone or your video. ‘

“There’s some very impressive malware out there. Apple will then discover this vulnerability, patch the issue and release it in the next update.”

Never download TikTok

Jake’s next piece of advice probably won’t resonate with Gen Z phone users, given the popularity of TikTok among their age group.

Jake said he would be cautious about using the app because “a lot of governments around the world are a little nervous about using Chinese apps.”

Explaining why this might be the case, he said, “The amount of data that Tiktok naturally keeps, even when you say it shouldn’t, is concerning.”

He continued, “Once you start using these media and content-heavy apps, you start offering access to the microphone and your photo library by default.

“Most people don’t even think before offering these apps even more access to their phones.”

Hide your phone if you receive an unscheduled security text message

As part of his work, Moore has been able to take over WhatsApp accounts just by sitting next to someone in a cafe or restaurant. “You started talking to someone and asked for their number,” he explains.

‘Then I would log into WhatsApp on my spare phone with their number and watch for the authentication code to be texted to them.

‘Most people just assume that the text is an error, but scammers look over your shoulder to read the code. Just by doing that, I was able to take control of someone’s account.”

With a scenario like this in mind, you should always shield codes for accounts when you’re out and about to ensure no one else can access them.

Password protect everything, including your photos

While using the same combination of letters and numbers for passwords for multiple accounts makes your life easier, it also makes it easier to compromise your data.

As a result, Jake suggests using a password manager that provides a unique code for each account, which is stored and encrypted with security software.

The online security expert says: ‘I also store my important documents there, such as passport details.

“And on an iPhone, you can lock your photo library behind Face ID, so if someone had access to your phone, he or she still wouldn’t be able to view it.”

Keep your webcam covered

Moore says he always keeps his laptop webcam covered when he’s not using it, because criminals can hack into it to record footage of you when you least expect it.

‘It’s rare, but cybercriminals have been known to hack into personal computers and record webcam images while someone is undressing or having sex.

He added: ‘There is malware out there that allows people to hack into your camera and turn it on remotely, which is terrible.’

“There is a threat that images will be distributed to family and friends, which is terrifying for the victim.”