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Think Like a Hacker: Simple Ways to Stay Safe Online

That’s why this topic was discussed at the Opinion Festival, where a group of experts gathered at Telia’s Digitarkus area. The panel included Kristjan Aljas from Telia, Ago Ambur from Galzer Technologies, Jaanus Kääp from Clarified Security, and Liina Kamm from Cybernetica. The discussion was led by technology journalist Mait Tafenau, who helped guide the audience through the world of cyber threats and smart solutions.

Today, almost every home has smart devices that are connected to the internet. From kettles to refrigerators, these tools promise to make life easier. But experts warn that each of these smart devices could also be a way for cybercriminals to get into your private life. For example, if a hacker breaks into your robot vacuum, they might be able to access your Wi-Fi network. Once inside, they can find personal photos, saved passwords, and even documents from your work stored on your computer or phone. Some devices also send data to other countries without your knowledge, and once your information is out there, you can’t take it back.

To stay safer, experts suggest setting up two separate Wi-Fi networks at home. One should be used only for smart devices, and the other should be for your computer and phone. That way, even if one device is hacked, the rest of your information stays protected.

Cyber threats aren’t just a problem at home. Public places can also be risky. When we work on laptops or scroll through our phones in cafes, libraries, or events, we sometimes forget that people nearby might be watching. There have been cases where someone secretly recorded another person’s screen from behind to steal passwords or other private details. Public Wi-Fi networks are also dangerous because they are easier for hackers to attack. That’s why using your mobile data or a virtual private network, or VPN, is a much safer option.

If you need to work in public, try to sit in a spot where others can’t see your screen easily. You can also use screen protectors that make it harder for people to peek over your shoulder. And if you’re dealing with sensitive information, it’s always better to save that work for home or the office, where your devices are more secure.

Another thing that can protect your device is software updates. Even though they seem annoying, especially when they pop up in the middle of your work,they’re actually very important. Updates fix problems in the system that hackers could use to sneak in. Experts say that every day you wait to update your phone or computer gives criminals more time to find a way in. If you delay too long, someone could break in, erase everything on your device, or steal important data. Once that happens, there’s no way to get it back.

Surprisingly, the biggest danger in cybersecurity isn’t the software, it’s often the person using it. Hackers have learned to trick people into handing over their own information. This is called social hacking, and it works by making people feel rushed, scared, or curious so they’ll click on dangerous links or answer fake emails. Thanks to artificial intelligence, these scams look more real than ever. They can create fake websites or messages that are almost impossible to tell apart from the real ones.

If you ever feel unsure about something online, experts say it’s always better to stop and ask for help. You can check with a parent, teacher, friend, or someone from your company’s IT department. Taking a moment to think before you click can save you from a lot of trouble.

At the end of the discussion, the experts shared a few simple tips to help everyone stay safer online:

• Learn and stay curious. Pay attention to what’s happening in the world of cybersecurity.
  
  

• Always update your software as soon as possible.
  
  

• Use strong passwords that don’t include personal details like your name or birthday.
  
  

• Change your passwords right away if you think they’ve been leaked or something feels wrong.
  
  

• Use two-factor authentication, like getting a code by text message or using an app, to protect your accounts.
  
  

• Don’t overshare online. Before you post, think: could someone use this information in a bad way?
  
  

• If something happens, talk about it. Report scams or suspicious activity to the right people. The sooner you speak up, the better the chance of stopping it.