Recent television shows like Mr. Robot demonstrate a change in how Hollywood writers are now representing hackers. Previously, hackers were portrayed as recluse individuals or nerdy sidekicks. But now, we’re seeing a shift with hackers being portrayed as the superhero or protagonist. Regardless of the role, it’s important to recognize that hackers present a real threat.
In Mr. Robot, the main character (although a white-hat hacker) utilizes some of the same malicious threats we’re seeing today, like DDoS attacks and social engineering. To mitigate the risk of attacks like those seen in Mr. Robot, here are some security measures you can implement:
- Resist the urge to overshare on social media. Even seemingly innocuous information, like mother’s maiden name or high school mascot, are common password reset questions and can be used to unlock your accounts. Review your privacy settings on social media to ensure you’re not sharing information publicly.
- Create long and strong passwords. Passwords are the keys to our online accounts. Create strong passwords by using a combinations of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters. Avoid easy-to-guess passwords like “password” or “123456.”
- Avoid public Wi-Fi Networks. Public Wi-Fi networks, like those in coffee shops and airports, leave you vulnerable to attack. For a more secure connection, use your phone as a private hotspot, or a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
Remember, hackers are constantly adapting and looking for ways to steal our most sensitive information. That’s why recognizing the latest threats and how to mitigate your risk is so important.