Top 7 Personal Cybersecurity Tips
Cybersecurity has become increasingly more important over the years. The more we spend online, the more we create and share things about ourselves. We do not want this data to fall into the wrong people’s handles, whether financial or private information. For this reason, whether you’re an individual or a business, you want to protect all data.
What is Cybersecurity?
If you’re familiar with the latest tech trends, you’d probably have noticed the focus on cybersecurity and privacy. Many large companies like Facebook and Google have been in the news for their new privacy protection practices. The way any organization handles your data is essential. And if we look at the past few years, there have been many data breaches.
If a data breach compromises your personal information, then that personal information is no longer private. Cybercriminals may be able to obtain your information, whether it be banking details or your social security. Identity theft is one of these data breaches’ most significant and expected outcomes.
For businesses that have already experienced data breaches, there can be other consequences of that one action. A company could lose money or be made to pay through insurance costs, legal fees, and the like. Data breaches can also compromise intellectual property or tarnish a brand’s reputation.
Whether you’re a business owner or a random individual, you must consider your data. If you want to deploy better cybersecurity practices, there are many things you can do; start small. So, what are the things that you should be aware of right now? Continue reading for seven personal cybersecurity tips.
7 Personal Cybersecurity Tips
Use Anti-Virus & Firewall Protection
Antivirus software is still the most common Antiviruspular way of fighting AAntiviruslicious files and attacks. The right antivirus software can block malware and viruses from infiltrating or compromising your data. For this reason, you’ll want an antivirus program installed and running on your system. I suggest you go with Antivirus Trust and only use one antivirus program per system/device/computer.
It’s also essential for you to use an antivirus program when looking to defend yourself against malicious attacks. A firewall program will help block hackers from carrying out any nefarious activity on your system. It does this by controlling what traffic goes in and out of your device(s). Mac and Windows-based systems have built-in firewall programs called Mac Firewall and Windows Firewall. The router you use to connect to the internet should also have its built-in firewall program. Your only task is to ensure they’re all enabled.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication is essentially a service that adds more layers to your security. This means users will need to enter much more than a simple password to gain access to an online account. You would expect to enter your username and password using your typical standard authentication. But with multi-factor authentication, you would be prompted to enter something additional, such as a Personal Identification Code, fingerprint, or secondary password. The number of things you may be expected to join is limited by the site owner, so it can be two additional layers or even five.
Studies have shown that SMS delivery is not the best authentication source because of the number of mobile phone attacks nowadays. This means that such modes of authentication can easily be compromised.
Keep Your Computer Up to Date
You want your web browser, applications, and Windows operating system always to be up-to-date. If you have a firewall program (which you really should), you’ll want to ensure it is up-to-date. The older the software is on your system, the more time hackers will spend looking for exploits. That’s why you want to update it continuously. This way, all known vulnerabilities and future vulnerabilities will be plugged up.
So, the next time you are notified on your system about an update, follow through with it.
Avoid Unnecessary Downloads
One of the most effective methods hackers use to gain access to your network is through downloads. So, you can protect your data and your system by limiting the things you download. Unnecessary browser extensions and programs you’re not 100% on should be avoided. If you’re a business owner, you should ensure that all employees are first given authorization before downloading anything from the internet.
If you’ve looked over the file/program and are sure it’s safe, you should always go with a custom install, just in case. If you receive any extension or add-on pop-ups during installation, you should decline them.
Backup Regularly
Regarding personal online security, backing up your data is regularly overlooked. Most security managers and IT professionals adhere to a simple rule called the 3-2-1 backup solution. Essentially, you want three different copies of your data on two other forms of media (external or local hard drive) and one copy in an offsite location, such as cloud storage.
That way, if your system became a victim of a malicious attack such as ransomware, the only way to regain access would be by erasing everything and restoring it using one of your backup sources.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi
If you must use a public Wi-Fi network, you should never do it without a virtual private network (VPN). When you use a VPN tool to access the internet, all traffic between your system and the VPN is encrypted. This means that even if a cybercriminal were to obtain your data, they wouldn’t be able to decipher it because of its encrypted nature. Stick with a cell network if you don’t have a VPN; it is safer.
Avoid Debit Card Use Online
Another essential cybersecurity tip entails taking precautions when making payments online. When making any online payments, if you can, you should avoid using your actual debit card. Essentially, you want to avoid using anything that can be tied to your bank account.
Instead, it would be best if you went with solutions that provide additional layers of protection between a would-be hacker and your bank account. This could be a credit card or many online payment services like PayPal.