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The best answer for me to say:
Nope!
Not to freak any one out, but right this moment there will be over 150,000 computers that have been 'swept' by private corporations and government databases, in the last hour.
Most of you reading this is probably using an outdated browser that came with your current operating system, be it mobile or PC, the rules still apply. If your running Win 10, chances are a 10 second web cam capture has been made to help with 'research and development' once every week at a random time. Especially during sleep-mode on a laptop with the lid open.
A fascinating report was posted by rapid7.com on the subject and the data raises serious concerns for the future of the internet.
National Exposure Index - Main Page
https://www.rapid7.com/data/national-exposure/2017.html
National Exposure Index - Full Report - Direct Link (no sign up required for your convenience)
https://information.rapid7.com/rs/495-KNT-277/images/rapid7%20national%20exposure%20index%20final.pdf
So what are we to do?
Here is some useful tips that will help:
Stop sharing personal information you don't want on the internet.
You'll be amazed how someone could hack a Facebook account by knowing someones personal contact info innocently posted on an event page, for example. Using the tools like messenger and the group page timeline for primary communications will lessen the chance of your name, number, email and address getting into the wrong hands.Turn off Camera and Microphone when not being used.
You could adjust your settings for this or simply place gaffer's tape on the camera and microphone hole.Use 2-factor authentication
Most sites have 2-factor authentications as an extra security measure when you log-in to a website. Google Authenticator and Authy mobile apps are the most used. The app will generate a random code that you will have to input to have access to your accounts online. This will make hacking your accounts extremely difficult for bot attacks. I personally like Authy, because it has an online version that syncs to all your devices with the app.Use a Password Generator
There a number of password generators available, but the one I use the most is KeePass and it's mobile counterparts. These apps will help create unique and strong passwords for your sensitive accounts.Scan for viruses, rootkits and malware
This step is still extremely important. Whatever program or app you choose, just be sure you purchase the full version and update it daily to avoid complications. We could all thank McAfee and Norton for all the trouble they cause just for our safety. LOL!Back-up everything
Make sure you have all important documents and images completely backed up in multiple drives and other storage media. Using a third party software like Carbonite & Acronis Backup are good choices, but may limit you in the future. I would recommended backing up by hand. Also using software like 7-zip will also encrypt your files in one directory or split them up into smaller manageable files.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. I will bring updates as they happen!
Good luck and be safe online! Please upvote, resteem and follow me for more!
Nice post
Thank you @sameerawan!
Absolutely, once online you are open to attack. Hence the importance of air-gapped machines. As far as backing your data up, "it doesn't exist until you have 3 backups". Thanks for sharing (:
Indeed. Redundancy is key. It is good practice. ;)