(Web Desk) - Cybercriminals can infect your devices with ransomware attacks - and it's easier for them to do so when wi-fi users neglect to use Virtual Private Networks (VPN).
Ransomware is a type of malware that allows cybercriminals to block their victim's access to their device.
Hackers can also infect your device by using spyware to monitor your device's activity and provide information to a third party.
The thieves use these attacks to demand that the victim pays a ransom for the malware to be removed.
However, the attacks can be prevented with a few methods to secure your device - including using VPNs.
Public Wi-Fi networks can be dangerous to connect to as cybercriminals can get access to your device through the public connection.
Using a VPN is the safest way to connect to a public Wi-Fi network because it protects your IP address and secure your browsing.
When activated, VPNs change the "address" of a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile.
VPNs make it much harder for crooks to monitor your online activity, which protects your personal data and information.
While using a public Wi-Fi network is dangerous enough, there's another huge mistake that could put your device at risk.
Experts on Keeper Security warn that you should never insert an unknown USB drive into your computer's port.
A random USB could contain malware, putting your device at risk to be accessed by cybercriminals.
Besides using VPNs and avoiding random USB drives, Keeper Security has also provided other types to protect your device from being hacked.
PROTECT YOUR DEVICE
One simple way to protect your device from being hacked is to avoid suspicious links and attachments.
Scammers will often send malicious links and attachments through phishing texts or emails in order to trick victims with a message that sounds urgent.
Unknown links or attachments from cybercriminals will immediately begin downloading malware on your device as soon as they're clicked.
Experts advise best practice is to never click on links or attachments that you didn't expect or from senders that you don't know to be safe.
Another way to prevent cyber attacks is to keep your device's OS up to date.
Software and app updates can contain security measures for known problems and vulnerabilities to protect your device from attacks.
Aside from unknown links or attachments, another rule of thumb is to never download apps from suspicious websites.