Venturing into Airbnb is a great idea to monetize your unutilized real estate space. But once you start registering bookings, you become an easy target to hackers.
Given that platform’s popularity, this doesn’t come as a surprise. Hosts end up losing revenue due to cybercriminals getting hold of their accounts.
But don’t panic. We’re here to help!
Employing a strong password, two-factor authentication (2FA), and antivirus software can help you avoid becoming a victim. Continue reading to learn how to use these methods to protect your Airbnb account.
Ready? Let’s start!
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How to protect Airbnb account from hackers?
To protect your Airbnb account, avoid clicking URLs and attachments in suspicious emails. Also, keep unique passwords, use two-factor authentication, and regularly update your device’s software. Furthermore, monitor your profile activity and report to Airbnb’s support if you spot anything unusual.
Let’s closely examine the abovementioned solutions below:
Use a strong password
Over 80% of security breaches arise due to poorly configured passwords. It takes a second for a hacker to capture your account using brute force attacks.
Generally, having a passphrase that’s longer than eight characters is ideal. You should also include a mixture of upper and lower case letters alongside numbers and symbols.
Reusing login details across different online services is another habit you should avoid. That’s because platforms get hacked, leading to your credentials leaking on the dark web.
The best of all?
Get a password manager to make your life easier. The app can generate and store complex passwords, so you don’t have to memorize them.
Our research also shows that using a password vault reduces your chances of getting hacked by up to three times. This is because it keeps all your credentials in a hack-proof environment that’s virtually unbreakable.
Sounds good, right?
Enable 2FA
Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) further hardens the safety of your Airbnb profile. Once activated, you’ll require an additional passcode alongside your password to log in.
When using this feature, Airbnb sends the code to you via sms or phone call. As an added security layer, it ensures the person accessing your account is really you.
To activate it, locate Login & Security or Personal info under Account settings. Then, select Set up 2-step authentication and choose the method to receive the passcode.
Creating a personal identification number (PIN) and adding security questions are also necessary. These act as a backup in the event you lose your phone.
2FA is helpful in situations where a hacker gets hold of your login details. The individual will need your cellphone to get the passcode, which is next to impossible.
Keep your software up-to-date
Updating software/apps regularly fix security flaws that may compromise your device. If you fail to do so, hackers can target any existing loopholes to steal your system’s data.
Lucky you, all software have a toolkit to fetch and apply updates from the publisher. You can do it manually or configure the feature to run automatically.
We also recommend that you enable auto-updates for your device’s operating system. Simply search for Update under your software/device’s settings and activate it.
But that’s not all:
Most hackers target Airbnb hosts using phishing emails. These contain URLs that lead to websites designed to soothe you to provide personal details.
What’s riskier is the attachments that come bundled in those emails. One accidental click is all it takes to install data-harvesting malware in your system.
That said, get an antivirus to protect your device without breaking a sweat. It will block phishing sites and the installation of suspicious software on your device.
Keep it up-to-date as well to enhance its effectiveness in protecting you. It’s your best bet to stop hackers who constantly reinvent new threats.
Monitor your account for unusual activity
Check your Airbnb account regularly for any suspicious activity. More often than not, hackers leave a trail of events that highlight a hacking incident.
Review your account information like name, email, language preferences, etc. Likewise, cross-check the payment details to ensure everything is intact.
If you suspect foul play, contact Airbnb support immediately to have the issue inspected. Next, change the logins as a temporary measure to lock out bad guys.
Consider getting an antivirus to keep your system free from malware in the long term. Password managers are also essential for securing your account using complex credentials.
Conclusion
It can be traumatizing to lose your Airbnb profile to hackers. Unfortunately, like any other online platform, it’s an easy target for cybercriminals.
However, you can avoid problems by securing your account. Start by setting a strong password to keep bad guys guessing. If necessary, get a password manager to generate complex login credentials for you. Moreover, the tool will also save the details in a hack-proof environment.
Also, remember to enable 2FA. Should cybercriminals get hold of your logins, they’ll need an additional passcode only accessible to you.
Monitoring your account frequently for any unusual changes is another thing you shouldn’t miss. If you spot anything suspicious, report it for swift action to be taken.
Overall, knowing how to protect your Airbnb account from hackers is essential. Employing them is the only way to prevent loss of income and reputation on the platform.
