Today’s collection of action-ready cybersecurity advice might be just what you need.
You’ll be surprised by the things you can do to better secure your data! All it takes is spending some time reading the right things and adjusting a few settings.
Applying these security tips feels just as good as digging into a plate of hot, fluffy, syrupy pancakes. Seriously, you have to try it!
1. Clicking Without Thinking Is Reckless
Just because you can click, doesn’t mean you should. Remember, it can cost you a hefty sum. Malicious links can do damage in several different ways, so be sure to inspect links and ensure they’re from trusted senders before clicking.
2. Use Two-Factor Authentication
It’s important to have a strong password, but it’s even more imperative to have two-factor, or multi-factor, authentication. This method provides two layers of security measures so if a hacker can accurately guess your password, there is still an additional security measure in place to ensure that your account is not breached.
3. Avoid Phishing scams — beware of suspicious emails and phone calls
With over 3 billion fake emails sent daily, phishing attacks are some of the greatest cybersecurity threats as they are very easy to fall for. In a phishing attack, a hacker will pose as someone that the recipient may be familiar with to trick them into opening a malicious link, divulging important credentials, or opening software that infects the recipient’s system with a virus. The best way to be on the lookout for phishing scams is by avoiding emails from unfamiliar senders, look for grammatical errors or any inconsistencies in the email that looks suspicious, and hover over any link you receive to verify what the destination is.
Check out our Phishing Resources section for details about identifying phishing scams and protecting yourself.
4.Beef up your passwords
Never, ever reuse passwords!
And don’t think that choosing “password123” and “passwords1234” means you’re doing it right.
This is what a good password looks like (but don’t use this one:P): c.*%7(:wQ,28{T⁷
Online password generator: https://identitysafe.norton.com/password-generator/
Check your passwords’ strength:
https://howsecureismypassword.net/
https://www.experte.com/password-check
Can’t remember your password, better to use a password manager.
5.Use Anti-Virus Protection & Firewall
Anti-virus (AV) protection software has been the most prevalent solution to fight malicious attacks. AV software blocks malware and other malicious viruses from entering your device and compromising your data. Use anti-virus software from trusted vendors and only run one AV tool on your device.
Using a firewall is also important when defending your data against malicious attacks. A firewall helps screen out hackers, viruses, and other malicious activity that occurs over the Internet and determines what traffic is allowed to enter your device. Windows and Mac OS X comes with their respective firewalls, aptly named Windows Firewall and Mac Firewall. Your router should also have a firewall built in to prevent attacks on your network.
6.Back up your data
Back up regularly — if you are a victim of a security incident, the only guaranteed way to repair your computer is to erase and re-install the system because malicious threats and hackers don’t always want to steal your data, but sometimes the end-goal is to encrypt or erase it.
7.Keep Up With Updates
Software patches can be issued when security flaws are discovered. If you find these software update notifications to be annoying, you’re not alone. But you can consider them the lesser of two evils when weighing up rebooting your device versus putting yourself at risk for malware and other types of computer infection.
8.Secure Your Mobile Device
Security doesn’t end at your desktop. It’s important to get into the habit of securing your presence through your mobile device as well. Use strong passwords and biometric features, ensure you turn off your Bluetooth, don’t automatically connect to any public Wi-Fi, and download with caution. Also, make sure you’re protecting your device by applying the below points:
Lock your device with a PIN or password — and never leave it unprotected in public.
Only install apps from trusted sources (Apple AppStore, Google Play).
Keep the device’s operating system up-to-date.
Don’t click on links or attachments from unsolicited emails or texts.
Avoid transmitting or storing personal information on the device.
9.Don’t store important information in non-secure places
When storing information online, you want to keep it in a location that can’t be accessed by unauthorized users.
The files you share are only as secure as the tools you use to share them with. Adopt a secure file sharing solution to encrypt your files while they’re in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access and keep your files safe.
10.Avoid Unnecessary Downloads
Downloads are a prime tactic hackers use to gain access to your network. To protect your computer and your data, limit your downloads. Any unnecessary software or browser extensions should be avoided. And in an organization, employees should need authorization before downloading anything from the internet.
If you deem a download safe, always choose a custom install and watch carefully. If any add-ons or extensions pop up during automatic installations, decline them.
The article can be found on Techwebies
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