Statistics show that more than 800,000 people are victims of hacking every year, with cyber attacks averaging around 2,200 per day. If those numbers weren’t alarming enough, a study reveals that hackers regularly target more than 30,000 new websites.
You can never overestimate the importance of online safety. Websites like Your Online Choices seek to educate people about its significance and inform them regarding privacy and security issues, especially those surrounding social media, which is highly prone to hacking.
Awareness about online safety protects you from data breaches, privacy issues, identity theft, money laundering, and cyberbullying. The chances of being hacked by a virtual private network (VPN) service are much lower because of internet traffic encryption. However, even though they protect you from a man in the middle and DDoS attacks, they are vulnerable to hacking.
The statistics on VPN breach issues are equally alarming, showing more than 31% of households report security breaches. Some reasons behind a virtual private network being breached are a weak password, insecure information, and spyware attack.
If you need to use one of these private networks, here are some tips to help you do it safely.
How do hackers target VPNs?
Spammers primarily target these virtual networks by breaking the encryption code and stealing the key. Using an outdated encryption algorithm compromises your online safety, as it is easier to break through.
Using unsafe tunneling protocols like point-to-point tunneling (PPTP) makes them vulnerable to password cracking. A flawed authentication process makes it easy for hackers to target your account. The best option is to go with a solid authentication code like SHA-256.
What happens when a VPN is hacked?
Hacking your virtual private network account exposes you to various kinds of data safety breaches. The first is that it gives the spammers direct access to the device from which you were accessing the service.
Once hackers gain unauthorized access to your device, it becomes easier for them to commit crimes like credit card fraud, access to your bank accounts, borrowing money etc. Most of all, it gives hackers access to sensitive information, which could compromise your safety in various ways.
Things to do if your network is compromised
You should stop using that service if hackers have targeted your VPN. The more you delay, the higher the data breach you expose yourself to. Follow that by uninstalling the network from your device and then rebooting it.
Finally, change sensitive information like passwords, cancel credit and debit cards, change your username, and observe all the other necessary precautions to minimize the cyberattack’s extent.
Tips on using the service safely
Since VPNs are prone to cyberattacks, what are some ways to ensure that you use the service safely and securely?
Using multiple VPNs
You might consider using multiple VPNs instead of one, which routes the traffic from several internet service providers (ISPs) before reaching their destination website. Even if hackers breach a single VPN, the others will remain unaffected.
Strong WiFi password
You must also use a strong WiFi password while incorporating the latest software upgrades for additional security. You could also use your home VPN, as it provides an extra layer of protection that your local provider cannot do.
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VPNs are one of the safest tools that provide numerous benefits, and one of the best online safety tools, according to websites like Your Online Choices. However, despite having unbreachable encryption codes, they are not immune to insecurity. You can ensure complete safety by following the best safety protocols and knowing the security breaches to which this service is vulnerable.
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