Staying cyber-secure is no joke! Take it seriously by following the best Tips
Introduction
In today’s interconnected digital
world, cyber security has become a major issue for individuals and businesses.
With the increase in cyber threats and data breaches flashing in the news
headlines, staying cyber secure has become more imperative than ever.
Whether you are a casual internet
user or a business owner, it’s always mandatory to stay informed and proactive
when keeping our digital assets secure. From personal information to financial
transactions, our online presence or digital footprint holds a vast amount of
sensitive data that needs to stay protected from cybercriminals.
However, by following best
practices and implementing security measures, you can reduce the risk of
cyber-attacks!
Before implementing the most
effective security measures, it’s better to understand.
“What are cyber threats?”
Cyber threats come in different
forms such as Malware, Ransomware, Phishing, Social engineering, and many more.
It’s imperative to know of the same to better protect yourself from them.
Malware, for example, refers to
malicious software that can infiltrate your devices and steal your information.
Phishing involves tricking users into revealing sensitive data through
deceptive emails or websites. By making yourself understand these threats, you
can be more vigilant and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
Below are some basics about cyber
security awareness tips to boost your online confidence.
1. Update your antivirus software.
Notifications about software
updates might seem irritating at times, but you should never ignore them. It’s
true that they come at the worst times. However, do you know what will be more
inconvenient if you don’t update your antivirus? Higher chances of hacking!
Updating your Antivirus (when
updates are available) is one of the most valuable tips to stay cyber secure.
Software updates are usually released with advanced security patches that
prevent cyber criminals from reaching your sensitive data. The more updated
your operating system, the harder criminals have to work to filter the most
effective technique!
Therefore, it is always advisable to enable automatic updates on your PC/ laptop. Do you know what, Software updates come early in the morning or at night? So, turning on Automatic updates will never disturb your sleep, thereby leaving behind no worries!
2.
Make necessary changes to your
social media profile
It is true that celebrities on
Social Media document their entire day, right from the moment they wake up till
the time they go to bed. But, you don’t need to follow in their footsteps as
it’s always better to leave a pinch of curiosity with yourself for some reasons
such as:
·
Stalking
Giving your location in social
media posts can make your profile vulnerable to stalking. Sharing your location
amounts to giving hints to a hacker about where you live, what your favorite
places to chill are, and where a hacker could find you with great ease.
·
Social Engineering Scams
Hackers surf Social Media and hunt
for victims by looking at social media profiles that are not private. When they
find any relevant profiles, they analyze them deeply and get an idea about the
victim’s passion and interest. As a result, they filter the scams and apply the
one that suits the victim. Believe it or not, hackers impersonate themselves
and act legitimately because of the advanced AI tools present in the online
market.
·
Doxing
Doxing means publishing someone’s
information online unknowingly. When we post anything online, we leave our
digital footprint in the online world in some way or another. It is done to
embarrass the target amongst other people.
Do you know the most effective way
to never fall victim to the above tactics cybercriminals use on social media?
Well, the most effective way to avoid these tactics is to keep your Social Media profiles private. You can also edit your follower list & include only those you trust!
3. Strengthen your current passwords & 2FA
Have you ever come across a
website that doesn’t allow you to create an account if you don’t enter a
password that’s challenging to guess?
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to enhance cybersecurity is by using strong passwords. A strong password is one that is a mix of lowercase & uppercase letters and should also include numbers and symbols. This makes it a hard nut for hackers to crack. It’s always advisable to avoid using easy-to-guess passwords such as your name, and your birth date. Always keep a different password for every account so hackers cannot guess them.
Avoid using easily guessable information, such as your name or birthdate. Additionally, enable 2FA whenever possible, as it adds an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password.
4.
Exercise caution while surfing the
web
Not every website is safe!
Everything has a dark side, right? Some parts of the Internet have hidden
malware that can enter your device unknowingly and steal away your precious
data that you have kept safe for years. There are different types of malware in
the digital ecosystem. However, everyone has the same goal, namely stealing
your sensitive data and taking away your identity.
Websites that offer
too-good-to-be-true deals such as pirated versions of games or other apps are
considered shady and bring in malware to your device. Hence, falling victim to
these deals and offers is not advisable. Practice safe browsing habits and make
sure the website you are visiting is secure. Ensure that there is a padlock at
the beginning of the web address and ensure it starts with https and not http.
Using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is another way to stay safe while surfing the web. It encrypts your sensitive data and makes it impossible for hackers to enter your network and disrupt it!
5. Read your messages and emails
twice or thrice
You might have come across a
Phishing attempt or you may have experienced it! Phishing is a malicious trick
used by hackers to obtain personal details from trustworthy people. Phishers
use malicious tricks and contact you through text messages, emails, social
media, or Instagram direct messages.
Grammatical mistakes or typing
errors are the main indicators of a Phishing
attempt, making it difficult to identify one. But, AI text generators like
ChatGpt make it harder to identify a phisher, as all messages appear sent by a
human.
But, in this blog, we have shared
some telltale signs to identify a phishing attempt. Have a look!
·
Use
the right antivirus software with an anti-phishing feature
·
Blurry
images or logos
·
A
prompt message reflecting a tone of urgency, fear, anger,
or over-excitement
·
Unknown
Requests for sharing your banking credentials or passwords
· Unknown Links that will redirect you to malicious websites
6.
Stay updated with the latest cyber safety news
Our online presence is increasing
day by day. Be it shopping for clothes online, to grocery shopping, we leave
behind an online footprint cybercriminals exploit. Just like we stay ahead of
the latest trends in the Fashion industry, we should also stay ahead of what’s
happening in the online environment.
When a data breach occurs, you need to read about it in detail. Also, you need to keep an eye on the news or turn on notifications to receive the latest updates.
To Conclude,
Cybersecurity is a critical matter
that demands our attention and consistent efforts. By implementing the helpful
tips and practices outlined in this blog, for example, updating your Antivirus Software, enabling 2FA, and
creating a strong password. Etc., you can significantly enhance your online
security and amp up your digital game.
Don’t worry until it’s too late!
Stay vigilant, keep your systems
updated, and educate yourself about cybersecurity threats.
Always remember,
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