I’ve had a number of hacking attempts on me by Handala, this isn’t simply someone trying to guess a password.
These actors research you first. They learn who you know, what interests you, and what will get your attention. They may impersonate someone you trust, build rapport, and then send you a file or convince you to install something. And once they’re in, it can get ugly.
The malware can potentially access your messages, contacts and files, capture your screen and even turn on your microphone.
That’s why I harp on digital hygiene because it’s so easy to make a mistake and be exploited.
So here are some simple rules I follow:
✔️Don’t click first. Think first.
✔️If someone you know sends you something unusual, verify it another way.
✔️Don’t install software from a link someone sends you. Go directly to the legitimate source.
✔️Turn on MFA.
✔️Keep your devices and apps updated.
✔️And remember: familiarity is not authentication. The person may look legitimate. The message may look completely normal. That’s the point.
You don't need to be a cybersecurity expert to make yourself a harder target.