A 21-year-old student from Bhowanipore, who is a popular Instagrammer with over 3.5K followers, recently fell
prey to cyber crooks who hacked her profile with an offer to promote certain products.
"In her complaint to police on June 13, the young woman sstated that she had received a
communication through Insta messenger wherein she wasasked to promote a particular product a
particular number of times through her Instagram handle.She was offered Rs 10,000 for the
promotion. Since the Instagrammer had carried out a lot of promotions in the past, she was easily
convinced to take up the assignment. Once she agreed to tthe terms and conditions, she was asked to
add a Gmail account to her Instagram. Once she added thee Gmail account, she was again asked to add
a particular number to her account. The moment she did sshe lostaccess to her Instaaccount," said
an investigating officer.
🥷Hackers Are Everywhere – Even Ordinary People Can Fall Victim
In today’s digital age, hackers are not just targeting large corporations or celebrities. Ordinary people, too, are vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers use a variety of methods like phishing emails, malware, and fake websites to gain access to your personal information. With just a few clicks, they can steal login credentials, bank details, and more. Many attacks are so subtle that users don’t even realize their data has been compromised. Even if you’re not a tech expert, staying aware of online threats and taking basic security precautions can help protect you. Remember, anyone with an internet connection can be targeted – it’s crucial to stay informed and vigilant.
🔍How to Identify If You’re at Risk of Being Hacked
To check if you’re at risk of a hack, start by looking for common warning signs. These include unauthorized activity in your accounts, like new logins or changes to personal information that you didn’t make. Receiving unexpected password reset emails or alerts about logins from unfamiliar locations is another red flag. Additionally, if your device is running slower than usual or you notice unfamiliar programs, you could be dealing with malware. Make sure you use strong, unique passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) where possible. Regularly review your account activity, and check for any unusual behavior to catch potential threats early.
🛡️How to Protect Yourself from Cyber Intrusions
Protecting yourself from hackers involves taking a proactive approach to your online security. Start by using strong, unique passwords for every account—avoid simple or reused passwords. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security. Regularly update your software and apps to ensure you’re protected against the latest vulnerabilities. Install trusted antivirus software and firewalls to defend against malware and viruses. Be cautious when clicking on links in emails or text messages, especially if they come from unknown sources. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and always log out of accounts when you’re done. By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your chances of falling victim to a cyberattack.