A short guide to IT security lingo

As more and more businesses move their operations online, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been greater. However, many employees are still unfamiliar with many cybersecurity terms. Here are some of the most commonly used terms in IT security. By understanding these terms, you will be better equipped to protect your business from cyberattacks. Malware For a long time, the phrase “computer virus” was misused to refer to any type of attack that harmed computers and networks. The more appropriate term for these harmful programs and files is “malicious software,” or “malware.” Whereas a virus is a specific type of malware designed to replicate itself, any software created for the purpose of destroying or accessing networks and data with the intent to steal, corrupt, or encrypt these should be referred to as malware. Ransomware Don’t let all other cyberthreats ending in “-ware” confuse you; they are all just subcategories of malware. Currently, one of the most notorious of these is ransomware, which is malware that encrypts valuable data until a ransom is paid for the decryption key. In a ransomware attack, the victim organization may feel compelled to pay the ransom to regain access to their data. Intrusion prevention system (IPS) There are several ways to safeguard your network from malware, but an IPS is one of the nonnegotiables. An IPS sits behind your company’s firewall and monitors for suspicious and malicious activity that can be halted before it can exploit or take advantage of a known vulnerability. Social engineering Not all types of malware rely solely on fancy computer programming. Experts agree that the majority of attacks require some form of social engineering to succeed. Social engineering is the act of tricking people, rather than computers, into revealing sensitive or protected information. For some cybercriminals, it’s less tedious to convince a potential victim to give them the data they need than to create and deploy complicated software to obtain the same information. Phishing Phishing is a type of social engineering scheme that involves defrauding people using an app or a website that impersonates a trustworthy or often well-known business in an attempt to obtain confidential information. Just because you received an email that says it’s from the IRS doesn’t mean that it is. Don’t take such emails at face value — always verify the source, especially if the emails are requesting your sensitive data. Antivirus Antivirus software is often misunderstood as a way to comprehensively secure your computers and workstations. These applications are just one piece of the cybersecurity puzzle and can only scan the drives on which they are installed for signs of well-known malware variants. Zero-day attacks When a vulnerability is found within a piece of software, vendors will release an update to fix the gap in security. However, cyberattackers can release a piece of malware that exploits the security vulnerability before software developers can address it. This is known as a zero-day attack. Patch When software developers discover a security vulnerability in their programming, they usually release a small file to update and “patch” this gap. Patches are essential to keeping your network secure from the vultures lurking on the internet. By checking for and installing patches as soon as these become available, you keep your software protected from the latest malware. Redundant data When antivirus software, patches, and intrusion prevention fail to keep your information secure, there’s only one thing that will: quarantined off-site storage. Duplicating your data offline and storing it somewhere other than your business’s workspace ensures that even if your systems get infected with malware, you’re equipped with backups to keep your business running. Our cybersecurity professionals are always available to impart more in-depth knowledge of the many different kinds of cyberthreats. Get in touch with us today and find out how we can help you with your IT security woes. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Android ransomware: How it works and how to protect yourself from it

In recent years, ransomware has become increasingly sophisticated and widespread, infecting not just Windows PCs but also Android smartphones and tablets. If you’re concerned about the security of your Android devices and your business, read on for tips on how to protect yourself from mobile ransomware. How does mobile ransomware work? Android users may unknowingly download mobile apps riddled with ransomware from third-party app stores or even legitimate ones like Google Play Store. Once these apps are installed, the ransomware is launched, locking the device and encrypting the data it contains. The victim may see a ransom note on the screen demanding payment, usually in cryptocurrency, in exchange for unlocking the device or for the decryption key. In 2020, Microsoft reported on a particularly sophisticated ransomware strain. It locks a mobile device’s screen and shows a message telling the user that they committed a crime and must pay a fine. The message purports to be from the police, and users cannot dismiss the ransom note. Cybercriminals have been using this technique to make their victims panic, making the latter more likely to pay up. What should you do if your Android device is infected? Just as with ransomware that affects computers, there’s no guarantee that paying the ransom will restore access to the device and/or encrypted data. This is why cybersecurity and law enforcement professionals advise against giving in to cybercriminals’ demands. To prevent further infections within your network, experts recommend that you immediately disconnect the infected smartphone or tablet from your business’s Wi-Fi or home network and other devices it’s connected to. Next, report the incident to your in-house IT staff or managed services provider, who can help find out what type of ransomware you’re dealing with. They can also figure out the best way to remove the ransomware and help you regain control of your device. How do you protect your business from mobile ransomware? Remind your employees to download from official app stores only; they should never download from third-party app stores and websites, as well as online forums. Additionally, make sure they turn on Google’s security system, Verify Apps, which scans apps for potential threats before these can be installed. Employees can do this on their Android devices by going to Settings > Security > Verify Apps and enabling “Scan device for security threats.” Another step you can take is to ensure that all your employees’ mobile devices have antivirus software installed, and that these devices are always kept up to date and running the latest version of Android. Google releases security updates regularly, which often include fixes for newly discovered vulnerabilities. Finally, regularly back up important files on mobile devices to either a USB drive, a computer, or any cloud-based storage service. This helps ensure your staff won’t lose valuable data if they need to reset their smartphone or tablet. By following these tips, you can help keep your Android devices and business safe from mobile ransomware attacks. Stay vigilant. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions on how to protect your business from different kinds of cyberthreats. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Why jailbreaking your iPad is a bad idea

Many iPad users are usually happy with their device, but there are a few who want to install apps that are not on the App Store and even change the performance of their device outside of what Apple allows. The only way to do this is through jailbreaking. This article will discuss what jailbreaking is and its potential consequences. What is jailbreaking? Jailbreaking or rooting is the process of removing manufacturer and/or carrier restrictions from an iPad. It uses a privilege escalation attack to replace the factory-installed operating system with a custom kernel. This allows users to install third-party software and change system settings that would be impossible to do in an iPad’s default state. While jailbreaking gives you greater control over your iPad, it comes with certain risks, including: 1. Warranty problems Apple considers jailbreaking a breach of contract. So, the moment you jailbreak your iPad, its warranty becomes invalid and Apple will no longer provide any support for any hardware or software issues. 2. Decreased battery life Jailbreaking an iPad can lead to faster battery drainage. This is because most of the apps created by the jailbreaking community are not optimized properly and tend to use more power than Apple-approved software. 3. Increased security risk iPad runs apps in a closed environment or sandbox. This prevents official and licensed apps from affecting the rest of the system. When you jailbreak your iPad, these sandboxes are removed, allowing unauthorized apps to make unrestricted changes to your iPad’s system and gain access to your private files. Jailbreaking also opens up your iPad to attacks. Without Apple’s built-in security framework, your iPad becomes more susceptible to malware and other forms of cyberattack. 4. Update issues Once you jailbreak your iPad, you’re stuck with its current iOS version. This means that automatic updates for the operating system, official apps, and security features will no longer be available. You’ll be forced to rely on the updates developed by the jailbreaking community and other independent developers. 5. Device instability Because apps for jailbroken devices aren’t properly tested and optimized, jailbreaking your iPad will make it more prone to crashing. This can also cause built-in and third-party apps to freeze and, in some cases, brick your iPad. A bricked iPad can no longer boot or respond to any sort of input. How to check if your iPad is jailbroken If you purchased a secondhand iPad and want to know if it’s jailbroken, here’s how you can check. Press the iPad’s Home button to go to the main screen. This will bring up the keyboard. Type “Cydia,” and if it appears on the search results, it means the iPad is jailbroken. Jailbreaking your iPad may seem like a good idea, but jailbroken devices experience frequent performance issues and are easy targets for cybercriminals. If you want to learn more about the dangers of jailbreaking, call our specialists today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

A guide to choosing the right business projector

If your current projector is too bulky or is producing low-quality images, then it’s time for an upgrade. Picking the best projector, however, may be difficult if you don’t know what to look for. Here’s a quick guide to buying a projector for your business. Brightness If your projector doesn’t produce enough brightness, it will yield muddy and blurred images, even when the lights in the room are dimmed or turned off. This is why the light source and light output should be two of the first things you should look at when purchasing a projector. Look for an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) Lumen rating on the projector’s lamp. This will tell you how much light the device can produce and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your needs. An ANSI Lumen rating of 1,000 is a good starting point, but you may need to get a projector with higher ratings if your conference room has a lot of ambient light. Connectivity A projector’s connectivity options affect its price and functionality. For example, projectors that feature VGA and USB connections can only connect to an older TV or computer. Those that have Bluetooth, HDMI, and Wi-Fi capabilities can connect to more device types. The latter, however, usually costs higher than the former. Projection type Some projectors feature multiple aspect ratios that enable them to project images on the front or back of the screen. These projectors can be mounted on the ceiling of your conference room, which means they take up less space and are easier to set up. As their name suggests, front projectors can project on just the front of the screen and are often laid flat on a table or surface. Although a little cumbersome, these projectors are mobile and very easy to use, which is why they remain quite popular among users. Contrast The contrast ratio refers to the difference between the darkest black and the brightest white in the image produced by the projector. The higher the contrast ratio, the clearer your pictures will be. High-contrast projectors also typically enable users to modify text quality and image depth. Resolution Using sharp, vivid visuals can enhance the quality and appeal of your presentation. On top of incorporating high-resolution images and videos, make sure to use a projector with a 1080p (Full HD) native resolution. If your company can afford it, you may even choose 4K projectors. If your business is looking to purchase new projectors or needs help optimizing what you already have, don’t hesitate to ask. We’re a team of tech experts that will ensure that you can make the most out of your investments. Get in touch with us right away! Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

VoIP softphones or hardphones: Which is better?

Are you thinking about installing a new business phone system or upgrading your existing one? If you are, you have the choice between VoIP softphones and hardphones. But which one is better? This article will tackle the differences between the two types of VoIP phones and which one your business should get. VoIP Softphones Softphones are apps or programs that let you send and receive phone calls and text messages using a computer, tablet, or smartphone connected to the internet. Using softphones come with the following benefits: 1. Cost savings Softphones can be installed directly on your computer or mobile device. This eliminates the costs of additional telephony hardware, setup, support, and maintenance that’s often included in hardphones. 2. Mobility Unlike hardphones, softphones don’t need to be connected to cables. You can send and receive calls and text messages in areas with good internet connectivity. This is the perfect solution for workers who are always on the go. 3. Easy to upgrade Softphones are packed with features such as voicemail, one-touch dialing, personalized greetings, and more. You can easily access newer features through software updates. With hardphones, on the other hand, you’ll need to purchase newer models to access the latest features. VoIP Hardphones VoIP hardphones resemble traditional desk phones, but instead of using analog phone lines, they rely on the internet to make and receive calls. VoIP hardphones also come with various features not found on traditional telephones, such as call monitoring, auto attendants, and video calls, to name a few. Here are the benefits of using VoIP hardphones. 1. Easy to use Because they look and function like traditional phones, VoIP hardphones are generally easy to use. Softphones are software-based, so some training may be required for users to become familiar with a softphone’s features. 2. Better call quality Unlike softphones, hardphones don’t have to compete with other programs for computing resources. This can reduce a softphone’s performance and negatively affect call quality. 3. Better uptime and stability Hardphones won’t run into too many issues as long as your internet connection is stable. Since softphones run on your computer or mobile devices, if you encounter problems operating them, you won’t be able to use your softphone. Also, if your laptop or mobile device runs out of battery, calls on the softphone will also be cut. Both VoIP softphones and hardphones offer a variety of benefits, so choosing which is best for your business comes down to your needs and preferences. If you want to learn more about VoIP phones, get in touch with our experts now. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

3 Ways to secure Microsoft Teams

Microsoft Teams has become an essential tool in the workplace, with its ability to facilitate communication and collaboration in a remote or hybrid setting. However, as more and more users rely on this platform, its potential as a security risk increases. Here are the three best ways to help you secure Microsoft Teams. Utilize built-in security features The most dependable approach to securing Microsoft Teams is through governance restrictions. These are rules that set the parameters for how the platform will be used, who can establish Teams accounts, and what information people may provide. Appointing a Teams administrator will be critical in ensuring that Teams security policies are followed by users throughout the company. Administrators should also set up Teams’ data loss prevention (DLP) feature to prevent accidental exposure of critical information and reduce the risk of data breaches. For instance, administrators can use sensitivity labels as a condition in DLP policies to instantly block guests or unauthorized users from accessing or sharing data in a Teams channel or a private chat. Limit external access Speaking of guest users, you should also use Teams’ Lobby feature when meeting with external users or teams. This feature redirects guests to a virtual lobby where they will wait before being admitted into the meeting. This can be useful when you want to talk with your team first before officially starting the meeting with a client. Another way to control Teams access is by creating security groups. By default, a user with an Exchange Online mailbox can create a Team and become a Team owner. Creating a security group will help prevent unwanted and unverified users from creating and joining any group, extension, and Team. Enable MFA Multifactor authentication (MFA) is a practical way to enforce security when using Teams. In 2020, more than 99.9% of compromised Microsoft enterprise accounts didn’t use MFA. This is highly concerning because if an attacker compromises a Microsoft account and is able to get into Teams, they will gain access to valuable information the account’s owner works with through the platform as well as other integrated apps. MFA can be used in conjunction with a password, PIN, or biometric data such as a fingerprint or an iris scan. In the case of Microsoft Teams, requiring multiple factors for authentication ensures that only authorized users will be able to access their accounts. And when someone else tries to gain access, they will be alerted of suspicious activity so they can take steps to further safeguard their accounts. This can discourage malicious actors and, more importantly, instill better security habits among users. Following these tips can help ensure a seamless and secure collaboration environment for your workplace. Contact our IT experts today to learn more about Microsoft Teams and how to better secure it against attacks. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Speed up your WordPress site by following these tips

Ten years ago, waiting five seconds for a website to load was perfectly acceptable. But today, people just don’t have the patience for pages that load for more than three seconds. Anything slower than that and they’ll click away, which then increases your bounce rate. If you want to speed up your WordPress site and reduce bounce rate, try the following tips. Keep WordPress and plugins up to date Updating your WordPress version and plugins will not only keep your website secure but also speed it up. Therefore, you should install those updates as soon as they become available. You can set WordPress to update automatically, or you can install updates manually. If you want to manage the updates yourself, install the Easy Updates Manager plugin to help you stay on top of all updates. Choose a website host wisely Your website’s host can make or break your website. So before you select one, carefully compare the details of their service plans — especially the website speed and uptime — against those of other vendors. While it may be tempting to opt for shared hosting because of its low cost, this setup offers the slowest speeds because websites are simultaneously relying on the same server for bandwidth. In contrast, having a dedicated server will provide the best speed, but it may be too costly for many small- and medium-sized businesses. A great mid-performance, mid-price alternative is a virtual private server (VPS). A VPS acts like a dedicated server in terms of functionality but still technically uses a shared server. It will speed up your site better than typical shared hosting without breaking the bank. Keep your site lean The leaner your site, the faster it will load. To create a lean site, be mindful of these four things: Theme – Having a theme with tons of features can set you back in terms of speed. This is because the huge amount of code that powers those features can bog down your site. Avoid this by testing different themes to see how long they take to load. If the loading time is more than three seconds, look for another theme that loads faster. Design – Some design elements can dramatically slow down your site. Simple sites load faster, so carefully consider the ads, images, and extra assets that you add to your website to avoid slow page loads. Plugins – Think twice before going overboard with plugins, as having fewer plugins translates to a faster site load time. Also, keep in mind that not all plugins are created equal; some run faster than others. To tell one from the other, use applets that show the impact a plugin has on your site’s load time. Images – While many raw images are around 3,000 to 4,000 pixels wide, most web pages resize them without compression to 600 to 800 pixels wide so they can fit on the screen. If you want faster web page load speeds, resize your site’s images to the exact size they’ll appear on the screen. This shaves some bytes off the image file size, so the images load more quickly. Leverage speed-boosting plugins Use plugins that speed up your site. Cache plugins like W3 Total Cache and WP Super Cache can provide more speed by caching your site on user browsers, thereby reducing download times. Another helpful plugin is Lazy Load. It boosts your site’s speed by loading the elements at the top of the website first, then loading subsequent elements as a visitor scrolls down the page. Most themes already include the Lazy Load plugin, so check your Theme Options to see if it’s already part of your code pack. Use redirects sparingly Web pages that point to other URLs can slow down your site, so make sure to avoid or limit redirections. To check for redirects that your website doesn’t need, you can use the Redirect mapper tool or similar alternatives. Implementing some or all of the tips above will surely improve your WordPress site’s speed. If you need more help in optimizing your website, or if you have other IT concerns, just give us a call. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Why virtual reality is a good investment for your business

Virtual reality (VR) is often thought of as a gaming technology. However, VR can do much more than provide entertainment. For instance, it has the potential to revolutionize the way businesses operate and interact with their customers. In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why VR is a worthwhile investment and how it can help your business grow. Take customers on an adventure If you are a travel- or adventure-based business, you can use VR to give customers a taste of what to expect from your attractions. For example, if you’re running an amusement park, you can feature a VR simulation of one of your most popular rides. Or if you own a resort or campground, you can create a virtual tour of your rooms as well as VR simulations of the activities you have in store for visitors. VR training As a training tool, VR has been proven to be much more effective than in-classroom or e-learning methods. According to a 2020 PwC study, VR learners are: Four times more focused than their e-learning counterparts Four times faster to train than their in-classroom counterparts Nearly four times more emotionally connected to what they are learning than classroom learners 275% more confident to apply the skills they’ve learned from the training This means that VR learners are highly likely to become more productive and efficient sooner than non-VR learners. Another important advantage of VR training is that it can safely replicate situations that are dangerous or have adverse consequences if people make wrong or suboptimal choices in real life. Here are a few examples: Pilots log many hours in VR training long before they actually get off the ground. With haptic VR, budding surgeons can learn to use scalpels and other tools without cutting into actual flesh. Trainees in organizational leadership can also learn soft skills via VR training. Immersive VR interactions provide impactful learning experiences with little to no risk of unwanted real-world consequences such as fallouts with colleagues. Create your own VR prototypes Thanks to VR, you won’t have to rely solely on manufacturing prototypes when you want to see what your product physically looks like and how it might work. Also, VR prototypes allow you to make any changes before actual production. Model creation in VR, in particular, lets you save company resources, as it enables manufacturers to make changes to a product without the time and money required to build a physical model. And if you have the data, you can use VR to simulate real-world conditions. To illustrate, you can see how your automotive suspension design responds to different types of terrain, or how easily your drone can be controlled in a hurricane. VR for engineers As with manufacturing, using VR is time- and cost-efficient for engineers, architects, and other professionals who work in large-scale construction. It replaces traditional approaches, such as rendering small 2D models, and offers a more immersive experience that helps in designing structures that are more useful and intuitive for the people who’ll be using them. VR real estate tours With VR, real estate agents don’t have to tour potential buyers in the actual property. They can let their clients see what the property looks like in a 3D setting and virtually go from room to room. Brokers can entertain buyers who may be miles away or simply don’t want to spend time and additional resources going from house to house. All businesses stand to benefit from technological advancements. However, determining what to adopt might be difficult when there are so many options available. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions about how VR can be integrated into your business. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Your guide to Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts

It’s been almost a year since Microsoft released its latest operating system, Windows 11. And while some features and keyboard shortcuts were carried over from Windows 10, several new ones have been added. Here’s a list of handy keyboard shortcuts to help you get the most out of Windows 11 General Windows 11 shortcuts These shortcuts are for general functions, such as copy, cut, paste, and more. Command Function  Ctrl + A  Highlights all items in the active window  Ctrl + C  Copies the highlighted items  Ctrl + X  Cuts the highlighted items  Ctrl + V  Pastes the cut or copied items  Ctrl + Z  Undoes recent changes  Ctrl + Y  Redoes recent changes  Ctrl + Shift + Drag an icon  Creates a shortcut  Shift + Left mouse click  Selects multiple items  Ctrl + O  Opens a file  Ctrl + S  Saves a file or folder  Ctrl + Shift + S  Opens the Save As dialog box  Ctrl + N  Opens a new window  Alt + Tab  Switches between active tabs or windows  Alt + F4  Closes an active window  Shift + Delete  Deletes a file or folder without going through the recycle bin  F5  Refreshes the active window Windows 11 Command Prompt shortcuts These shortcuts will help you navigate the Command Prompt terminal faster.   Command Function  Ctrl + A  Selects all items  Ctrl + M Activates Mark mode Ctrl + F  Opens the Find dialog box Esc Deletes everything you typed  Up and Down arrow keys  Cycles through the command history  Page Up/Down  Moves the cursor up or down a whole page  Shift + Home  Repositions the cursor at the start of the current line Windows 11 File Explorer shortcuts Use these File Explorer shortcuts to manage your files and folders more efficiently.   Command Function Win + E Opens File Explorer Ctrl + N Opens another File Explorer window while you’re in File Explorer Ctrl + E Goes to the Quick access search bar Ctrl + W Closes File Explorer Ctrl + Mouse scroll Changes how files and folders can be viewed F4 Goes to the File Explorer address bar F5 Refreshes the current File Explorer window F6 Toggles between the left and right pane Ctrl + Shift + N Creates a new folder Alt + P Shows/Hides the preview panel Alt + Enter Shows the Properties window of the selected item Alt + Left or Right arrow keys Toggles between the next and previous folders Alt + Up arrow key Goes to the parent folder or directory Num Lock + Plus (+) key Expands the selected folder Num Lock + Minus (-) key Collapses the selected folder New Windows 11 keyboard shortcuts Here are keyboard shortcuts you’ll find only in Windows 11.   Command Function  Win + C  Opens the Microsoft Teams chat app  Win + H  Opens Voice Typing  Win + A  Launches the Quick Settings flyout  Win + N  Opens the Notification Center  Win + W  Brings up the Widgets pane  Win + Z  Launches the Snap Layouts flyout Remembering all these keyboard shortcuts can be difficult, but learning them can save you significant time and effort while working on tasks on a Windows 11 computer. Having a printed copy of these shortcuts next to your computer will help you remember them or serve as a quick reference. If you want to find more ways to increase your productivity using Windows 11, call our experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.

Safeguarding social media: Tips for keeping your personal information protected

It’s no secret that social media is a huge target for hackers. Every day, millions of people share their personal information on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media platforms. This makes it easy for cybercriminals to steal identities and access sensitive data. It’s therefore important that you know how to effectively protect your social media accounts from hackers. The following tips can help you do just that. Lock your screen Always lock all your devices as soon as you stop using them. This way, you are safe from the simplest hack of all: someone opening a social media site on your device while your account is still signed in. Locking your phone is easy enough, but in case you didn’t know, here’s how to lock your computer: On a Mac: Press Ctrl+Command+Q. Click the Apple logo on the top left corner of the screen, and select Lock screen. On a Windows device: Press Windows key+L. If there are multiple users using the device, click the Start button on the bottom left corner of the screen, then select User > Lock. Use strong passwords One of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your account is by launching brute force attacks to guess a weak or easily guessed password. Be sure to use a strong password that is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. It’s also a good idea to change your password regularly to further reduce the risk of someone gaining access to your account. It is best to use a password manager like 1Password, LastPass, or Dashlane, as these allow you to generate, save, and retrieve complex passwords. You can also enable multifactor authentication, which requires users to fulfill at least one more identity verification step after entering their username and password. The extra step or steps can involve scanning your fingerprint or entering a one-time passcode on an authentication app. Even if hackers have your password, they won’t be able to log in to your account without the additional authentication requirements. Enable social media security features Facebook can help you monitor who’s accessing your account and from where. On any web browser, log in to Facebook and click on Your profile, which is the icon located at the upper-right corner of the page. Select Settings & privacy, then click Settings > Accounts Center. From the Accounts Center, choose Password and security to get more information. Under the “Where you’re logged in” section, you’ll see a list of the places and devices you’re logged into. If you don’t recognize a particular location or device, that means someone else has logged in as you and is likely using your account for fraudulent or malicious purposes. Log them out by clicking the checkbox on the row indicating the malicious login and selecting Log out, and then report the incident immediately. Unfortunately, as of this writing, Twitter doesn’t have the same option of checking unrecognized logins. This makes implementing two-factor authentication even more necessary. Hackers can also take over your Facebook and Twitter accounts through third-party services to which you’ve given access to your profiles, so make sure to double-check what you have approved. Here’s how to do it: Facebook: Go to Settings > Accounts Center > Password and security > Apps and websites to view and manage third-party services that use Facebook to log you into the accounts you have with them. Twitter: Go to Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Apps and sessions to check and edit the list of third-party apps linked to your account. Lastly, check the permissions Facebook and Twitter have on your smartphone or tablet. Android: Go to Settings > Apps > App permissions. iOS: Go to Settings and find Facebook and Twitter under the app list to manage which parts or features of your phone (such as the camera and speaker) they have access to. Post less personal information online As much as we all love to share our lives with others on social media, it’s important to remember that not everything needs to be shared online. Hackers can use information like your birthdate, home address, and phone number to gain access to your accounts or even steal your identity. So, limit the amount of personal information you share on social media and think twice before posting anything that could be used against you. By following these tips, you can significantly prevent Facebook and Twitter hacking. Cybersecurity is a sprawling issue — and social media privacy is but one of the many things you need to stay on top of. For 24/7 support, call our team of experts today. Published with permission from TechAdvisory.org. Source.