Editor’s Note: This piece was submitted by Shannon OKeefe from ConsumersAdvocate.org. Shannon is a former courier and reached out to Courier Hacker to provide a written piece on how couriers can stay safe working in today’s world using technological tools. I reviewed it and deem it might be useful for people who wish to participate in the gig economy through app-based platforms but aren’t sure about security. There are no affiliate marketing links in this piece.
With so many of us spending our workdays online, cyber security is no longer merely something to consider–it’s a necessity. Every time you log on from a personal device, whether it be a computer, phone, or tablet, there is the possibility that someone will use that online connection to steal your personal information. Considering that couriers are, for the most part, at the beck and call of both customers and employers alike – and often via the internet – you may need to make some small changes to stay protected. Unfortunately, the possibility of having your identity stolen or one of your accounts hacked is becoming less of an ‘if’ and more of a ‘when.’
Hackers are simply thieves looking for a quick score and many prefer going after easy targets. If you can make it even just a little harder for them to get your information, you’re one step ahead of many others. It should be noted that there are no guarantees in cyber security, but here’s a short list of basic security ideas to keep you from being an easy target.
Get a Password Manager
Passwords are one of the weakest links in the cyber security chain. With so much of the online world requiring a password, it is all too common to use the same password for multiple accounts – whether it be for a bank account, a Netflix log-in, or for your email. A common ploy hackers use is to get you to reveal your password for a less critical account like Spotify or Hulu. Then, in combination with your phone number, they may be able to access your bank account or credit card information.
The majority of password managers help add both complexity and length to your password. More often than not, you will choose a lengthy master password to use with a specific password manager. Then, every time you use your password manager, it will log you into your accounts with a randomly-generated password that is specific to the account you want to access. Those application-generated passwords look like a strange grouping of numbers, letters, and symbols. They’re next to impossible for a hacker to guess–and since they are different for each account you log into, even if one of them is stolen in a data breach, the rest of your accounts are still secure.
While there are many free password managers out there, in the world of cyber security you often get what you pay for. If free is your only option, by all means use it until you can afford a better encrypted option. After all, a password manager is strongly recommended for your online protection and something is definitely better than nothing. Please be sure to read the fine print and note any hidden fees or add-ons. If you want to research the issue further, look to this article on password managers which covers many of the pros and cons of the industry and what to watch out for.
Consider a VPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, creates a connection to the internet that’s tough for hackers to trace back to your computer. VPNs use remote servers to tunnel your traffic to their private network and then bounce it back to your computer. So, while you might be online in a restaurant in New Orleans, to hackers it looks like your computer is in Paris, then New York, then Russia, then… until they finally give up.
VPNs are strongly recommended if you often connect to public networks such as those you find in coffee shops or in less secure city-wide networks. An experienced hacker has no problem sitting down at Starbucks and stealing information from every person connected to that singular network. A VPN allows you to connect through that network while also hiding you from any potential hackers.
Sign Up for (Or Enable) Two-Factor Authentication
Two-Factor Authentication (also known as 2FA or two-step verification) is a simple technique for securing your online accounts. You can enable 2FA on certain accounts (like Gmail or paid applications) or sign up for it with your bank or certain streaming services.
2FA is a notification system designed to inform you when any changes are made to a specific account. Let’s say you’re in the process of changing your address with your bank online. 2FA will send you a notification through either email or text messaging, giving you a code to verify that the account is yours. While this is not an impenetrable way to protect your life online, it is free and a strong deterrent against hackers.
There are a number of other ways to protect yourself online. The number one preventative measure revolves around a complex and lengthy password. Whether you use a password manager or not, do not write down your password, never share or give your password over the phone, and try to use a different password for every account.
It’s also important to update your phone or computer regularly and stay up-to-date on current hacks or phishing schemes. Above all, stay smart and stay alert.
