January 15, 2024 | 2:32pm

MANILA, Philippines — These days, we rely too much on our gadgets to allow them to be hacked.

For research and information, communication, and entertainment, we depend on technology on hand—such as mobile phones, computers, and laptops—a lot. So when we get hacked, it is a disaster beyond what we can imagine. So how do you effectively protect your gadgets from hacking?

Here are helpful tips from CIMB Bank Philippines, a digital-only commercial bank providing innovative mobile-first digital banking solutions and services:  

Update your software regularly.

This is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to protect your gadgets from hacking. You need to keep your software up to date, including your operating system, antivirus software, and all the apps on your device. Updates often contain security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers could exploit.

Do not use public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions.

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them a prime target for hackers. So, avoid conducting sensitive transactions, such as online banking or shopping, when connected to public Wi-Fi. If you must use public networks, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your Internet connection.

Lock your devices and enable two-factor authentication (2FA).

Set up a PIN, password, or biometric authentication (like fingerprint or face recognition) to lock your devices when they are not in use. This way, if your device is lost or stolen, it’s much more challenging for hackers to gain access to its contents. Most online services and apps now offer two-factor authentication as an added layer of security. This typically involves receiving a code on your smartphone that you must enter along with your password, making it harder for unauthorized users to log in.

Be cautious of phishing attempts.

Phishing emails and messages are common methods that hackers use to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Always verify the sender’s authenticity and be wary of unsolicited links or requests for personal information. When something seems suspicious, do not click it.

Educate yourself about hacking.

Keep up to date with the latest hacking techniques and trends. Learning to recognize signs of suspicious activity on your devices and being cautious about what you download or install can significantly lessen your chances of getting hacked.

When trying to keep yourself safe from hacking, simple and basic steps can make a big difference. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and to aid Filipinos in staying safe online, CIMB Bank PH, named by Forbes as the Best Bank in the Philippines in its 2023 World’s Best Banks ranking, makes significant investments in protecting its customers from cyber threats.

As a digital-only commercial bank, CIMB continues to invest heavily in security platforms and assets to consistently ensure the safety of customers. From its fraud management system that detects and blocks transactions in real-time, its network and infrastructure cyber defenses that protect the bank’s systems and data from unauthorized access to its application-level security tools, the bank is committed to give customers a safe and secure banking experience.