Good Cybersecurity Habits: Staying Safe Online

Staying safe online

Introduction

In today’s digital age, it’s more important than ever to take steps to protect your personal information and digital devices from cyber threats. By adopting good cybersecurity habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of data loss, corruption, and unauthorized access. In this blog post, we’ll go over some simple yet effective cybersecurity habits that you can adopt to stay safe online.

Minimizing Access to Your Information

The first step in protecting your information is to minimize access to your devices. While it’s easy to identify people who could gain physical access to your devices, such as family members or co-workers, identifying those who could gain remote access is not as simple. However, you can reduce the risk by adopting the following habits:

Improved Password Security

Passwords continue to be one of the most vulnerable online defenses. To create a strong password, use a unique and lengthy password for each device. The National Institute for Standards and Technology recommends using simple, long, and memorable passwords or passphrases. Additionally, consider using a password manager, which can manage multiple accounts and passwords while identifying weak or repeated passwords.

Two-Factor Authentication

Always use two-factor authentication if available. This method of authorizing access requires two out of the following three types of identification: something you know, something you have, or something you are. By requiring physical presence, two-factor authentication makes it much more difficult for a threat actor to compromise your device.

Properly Using Security Questions

For accounts that ask you to set up one or more password security questions, use private information about yourself that only you would know. Answers that can be found on your social media or facts that everyone knows about you make it much easier for someone to guess your password.

Create Unique Accounts per User per Device

Set up individual accounts that allow only the access and permissions needed by each user. When you need to grant daily use accounts administrative privileges, only do so temporarily. This precaution reduces the impact of poor choices such as clicking on a phishing email or visiting a malicious website.

Choosing Secure Networks

Use internet connections you trust, such as your home service or LTE connection through your wireless carrier. Public networks are not very secure, which makes it easier for others to access your data. If you choose to connect to open networks, consider using antivirus and firewall software on your device. Another way to secure your mobile data is by using a virtual private network (VPN), which allows you to connect to the internet securely and keeps your exchanges private while you’re connected to public Wi-Fi.

Keeping Software Up-to-Date

Manufacturers issue updates as they discover vulnerabilities in their products. Keep all of your personal electronic device software current, including computers, phones, tablets, and other smart devices. Automatic updates make this much easier for most devices, but you may need to manually update some devices. Only apply updates from manufacturer websites and built-in application stores like Google Play or iTunes. Third-party sites and applications are unreliable and can result in an infected device.

Shopping for Connected Devices

When shopping for new connected devices, consider the brand’s consistency in providing regular support updates. Be suspicious of unexpected emails, as phishing emails are currently one of the most prevalent risks to the average user. The goal of phishing emails is to gain information about you, steal money from you, or install malware on your device.

Conclusion

In conclusion, by adopting these good cybersecurity habits, you can significantly reduce the chances that your information will be lost, corrupted, or accessed without your permission. Remember to always be cautious when online and to keep your devices and software up-to-date. By doing so, you can stay safe online and protect your personal information.

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