4 Tips to Stay Ahead of The Hackers' Wiley Ways

Criminals sit in front of their computers trying to rip off your personal data out of the cloud using their mysterious hacking skills. You don't have to know the code of the hackers to successfully fend them off. Here are a four effective tips to keep your data in the cloud safe.

ThisIsNotAGoodPassword
Your password might not be safe. Hackers can find ways to get around it. They are known to use brute force tactics, where they try to crack the code with numerous random password inputs. Hackers have more patience than you might think, so they don't mind spending a few hours using randomly generated passwords to get to your data. Also, modern hackers use programs that can input thousands of password combinations per minute.

One of the biggest ways to protect your data is to use obscure words for your password, or make up your own, rather than using common words that anyone could guess. Using common words puts you at risk of a dictionary attack, in which a hacker will use common passwords to get to your data. The word "password" simply won't cut it when it comes to your cloud storage security. Use a complex string of numbers, letters, and symbols rather than choosing a word that can be guessed.

It's an Ambush!
Contrary to what you may assume, data can be captured en route to its destination. Most storage clouds will encrypt their data to keep it safe while traveling, but you still want to be on the lookout for web applications that aren't secure. Look at the front of the URL; if it reads "https://" it is encrypted and safe for data transmission, but if that "s" is missing, you should think twice about whether you want to use that application to send that information.

The Bare Minimum
Hackers are lazy. They prefer to use the easiest possible method to steal your data. This leads to a direct assault on the cloud server, rather than your own data. Who knows; if they get in, they might just leave your data alone, but you don't want to take that risk. Always make sure that you use a cloud storage program well known for its security.

What's My Password Again?
One of the more simple ways of protecting your data is to keep your password to yourself and never, ever share it with anyone else. The only problem with this is that, if it's a long, complex string of random characters, you might forget it yourself. Write it down somewhere where only you can access it (preferably with a password manager application), and try not to send it to anyone through an email. Some hackers might even have the audacity to call you directly and request your information by pretending to be a service provider. Don't be fooled; the real deal will never solicit your personal information.

If you aren't sure you want to trust your precious data with a cloud service provider, contact Computerware at (703) 821-8200. We'll work with you to find a safe haven for your data, and consult you every step of the way.