I read an online statistic the other day that said hacking attempts happen at least once every 14 seconds.

There were two things that immediately worried me about what I had just read: First, that worldwide attempts might be that common; second, that it was an older statistic, and likely updated by now.

Oh, dear. That’s terrifying, and should be a concern for most.

Doesn’t the statistic make cybersecurity look even worse than Hollywood movies make it look?

If you’re an online bridge player, the statistic should worry you. If you’re anyone who spends a considerable time online, the same applies. With hacks this common, do you still think that your devices are really protected enough?

A flaw anywhere within your cybersecurity setup could become a flaw for the entire world of bridge. It could compromise those in your contacts list, and easily spread. It’s how malware threats are known to spread.

Want to make sure your devices are safer against malware threats before playing your next bridge game?

Cybersecurity is pretty important for online bridge. Here’s how to secure your devices against threats.

1. Update your virus protection & cybersecurity software NOW.

Have you been ignoring your virus protection software updates?

Don’t.Updates are important, and updates have reason to be done. Outdated software leaves you as protected against threats as well as foil would stop a bullet.

Always guarantee that your cybersecurity software, virus protection, and browser has been updated before playing bridge. It can close thousands of potential holes that malware or hackers could have exploited with one simple step.

2. Guard any personal information better in public.

Hackers can use almost everything you’ve ever posted online to guess your passwords, to steal your identity, or to create a fake profile with your information.

It’s a common threat online.

Guard the information you post in public. Set your most important profiles (especially photos) to private. It’s also important to know what’s out there when you look. Search your name, usernames, and images often.

Have you found your information exploited? It’s illegal, and means that impersonated users can report false accounts or approach law enforcement.

3. Take note of any increases or changes in spam.

Spam on your mobile seems like little more than casual annoyance to the bridge player. But what if there’s a lot more to the spam you’ve been getting?

Increases in spam (such as mysterious banner ads you cannot get rid of) can signify a virus. Viruses in advertising form can go wild with your personal information, and might be exploiting your data as we speak.

Report spam when you see it, and run regular virus checks. Research any software, ads, or links that you don’t recognize when they appear; cybersecurity forums can help guide you on how to remove specific forms of malware.

Have you ever had a cybersecurity scare on your mobile? What tips can you recommend to other online bridge users to keep their online data safer?