Freelancers are a prime target for cybercriminals - Deepstash
Freelancers are a prime target for cybercriminals

Freelancers are a prime target for cybercriminals

Curated from: blog.freelancersunion.org

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Targeted by cybercriminals

Targeted by cybercriminals

There are many benefits to being a freelancer. But, as a mobile worker, you likely have volumes of client data on your computer, and that information is attractive to cybercriminals.

As a freelancer, you might be targeted by online criminals, so you have to take precautions to avoid a costly data breach.

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Why freelancers are at risk

Freelancers do most of their work online, creating and compiling data. They may not realise that they are a primary target of hackers because they assume they are a tiny entity.

Hackers can use almost any piece of personal information they obtain to harm the owner. For example, social security and credit card numbers can be used for fraudulent purchases and for taking out home loans. Even email addresses can be used for phishing messages to steal data from others.

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Avoid common scams

Freelancers often work in public spaces like coffee shops and libraries.

  • Connecting to the wrong Wi-Fi network could cause you to fall victim to the man-in-the-middle attack. This is a fake Wi-Fi network that seems free or matches closely to a real network. When you connect, you are attaching yourself to the hacker who can steal your data.
  • Hackers can also disguise themselves as a legitimate entity using a phishing email with a link that appears to go to their website but is used to access your data.

Ensure to validate new clients. Ask for an upfront payment or do a background check.

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Protecting data daily

It's vital to implement standard security methods so you don't fall for commons scams.

  • Use smart passwords - a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters - and change them often.
  • Consider a two-factor authentication on your phone as an additional security measure.
  • Install a virtual private network (VPN) on your computer and phone to ensure your data is automatically encrypted. It will also disguise your location so hackers can't find you.
  • Regularly back up your data onto an external device as hackers can install ransomware, giving them control of your computer.

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