Published on: February 11, 2025 Updated 2 times since publishing
From free VPNs to popular messaging platforms, some of the most popular tools and habits you trust might actually be putting your data at risk. In this interview series by Safety Detectives, I invite cybersecurity experts to reveal the most dangerous mistakes millions of people still make and their top tips to avoid them.
My guest today is Cybenetics CEO, Aristeidis Mpitziopoulos (crmaris). PhD in Computer Science, he is a renowned expert in switching power supplies. He has contributed to TechPowerUp and reviewed numerous power supplies for Tom’s Hardware. Currently, you will find him writing for Hardware Busters.
Cybenetics is a company that offers the ETA and Lambda voluntary certification programs to promote efficient and silent power supplies that have become very popular worldwide in recent years.
Are there any cybersecurity habits or apps that most people still consider safe but should avoid at all costs, and why?
- Sharing excessive personal details on social media can make you vulnerable to phishing attacks, identity theft, and doxxing. Cybercriminals use this information to craft targeted scams.
- Trusting Too Many “Free” Apps: Many free apps collect sensitive data, such as your location, contacts, and browsing habits. Some may harbor malware like info stealers or backdoors, even if downloaded from official stores like the Play Store, Microsoft Store, or Apple’s App Store.
- Downloading Unverified Files: Downloading random files (e.g., .exe or .apk files) from untrusted sources can lead to malware infections. Always verify the source before downloading any files. Many people also tend to open files sent to their emails without hesitation.
Can you share an example of how these mistakes caused significant damage and what could have prevented it?
Consider cases of doxxing, where personal information is publicly exposed, leading to harassment. This often stems from oversharing online.
Similarly, phishing attacks have led to financial fraud when hackers impersonated individuals using stolen data.
Prevention Tips:
- Set social media profiles to private.
- Limit the personal information you share online.
- Avoid downloading suspicious files or apps.
- Do not use “pirated” software.
Why do people keep falling for these mistakes, and how can they spot the red flags?
Many believe, “It won’t happen to me,” underestimating the risks. They also fall for offers that seem too good to be true, such as free premium services.
Red Flags to Watch For:
- Unsolicited emails with urgent requests.
- Links or attachments from unknown sources.
- Apps requesting excessive permissions unrelated to their function.
Do you have any lesser-known or counterintuitive tips that everyone can implement today? How do they help where traditional solutions fail?
- Backup Data Regularly: Store essential files on external drives to safeguard against ransomware attacks. In my experience, the more backup sources, the better!
- Write Passwords on Paper: While unconventional, this prevents digital theft if password managers or accounts are compromised. Store the paper securely, not beneath your keyboard!
If someone wants to strengthen their online security and privacy, what are five steps they should take today?
- Change Passwords Regularly: Update passwords every 6 months and immediately after a security breach.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator for added security.
- Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Don’t open links or download files from unknown or untrusted sources.
- Limit Sharing of Personal Information: Be mindful of the data you share, especially on public platforms.
Looking Ahead: What Opportunities and Challenges Should People and Organizations Prepare to Face in 2025?
In 2025, the cybersecurity landscape will face:
- Increased Sophistication of Cyber Threats: AI-driven attacks will become more prevalent.
- Challenges in Securing Remote Work: With more businesses adopting hybrid models, endpoint security will be critical.
- Growing Need for Cybersecurity Awareness: Both individuals and organizations must invest in continuous education.
How to get ready:
- Invest in cybersecurity training.
- Implement robust security protocols.
- Regularly update and patch systems to address vulnerabilities.
- Frequent backups of sensitive data.
By adopting proactive cybersecurity habits, individuals and organizations can better protect themselves against evolving threats.
How can our readers connect with you?
Website: https://cybenetics.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crmaris/
X: https://x.com/cybenetics