6 Simple Habits That Make Your Account Hard for Hackers to Breach

Cyber threats are increasingly rampant, from scams to data theft targeting everyday internet users. According to a recent report, cyber attacks rose 30% over the past year, with the most victims being individuals who are less vigilant. However, there are several simple habits that can protect you without requiring deep technical knowledge.

First, never delay software updates. Updates often contain patches for security vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit. Data from cybersecurity companies shows that 60% of attacks succeed on devices that are not updated. Install updates as soon as the notification appears, whether on your phone or computer.

Second, use strong and unique passwords for every account. Avoid easy combinations like "12345" or your date of birth. A study revealed that 80% of data breaches are caused by weak passwords. Use a free password generator or a password manager such as 1Password, Bitwarden, or NordPass, which offers extra security at an affordable cost, around Rp45,000 per month.

Next, enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all important accounts. This method requires additional verification, such as an SMS code or an authenticator app, so that even if your password leaks, access remains blocked. Unfortunately, awareness of 2FA in Indonesia is still low. According to a Kaspersky survey, only 30% of users have enabled it.

Be wary of suspicious links sent via email, text messages, or social media. Do not be tempted to click; instead, visit the official site directly. Hackers often use fake links to steal information or spread malware. If in doubt, hover over the link to see a preview of the URL in the browser.

Using a VPN can also improve online privacy. A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts data, so your activity is difficult for internet service providers or websites to track. Although there are free VPNs, paid services such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN offer additional features like ad blockers and virus scanners.

Finally, be wise about sharing personal information on social media. The more details you reveal, the easier it is for scammers to guess passwords or launch social engineering attacks. Limit the visibility of your posts to friends only, and consider not publishing sensitive information such as pet names or dates of birth.

"Hackers do not need to be geniuses; they simply exploit small lapses that we consider trivial," said a cybersecurity expert from an independent research institution, in an interview.

By adopting these habits, you not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer digital ecosystem. In Indonesia, awareness of cybersecurity still needs to be improved, especially with the rise in online transactions. Start with small steps today, before becoming the next victim.