Whether it’s for professional tasks, personal reasons, or both, most people access a computer on a daily basis. The problem is that the internet is not inherently safe — it’s actually the opposite.
Fortunately, cybersecurity hygiene best practices can reduce the risk of an attack by a whopping 98% — and the best part is that you can easily follow these steps.
Here are 5 cybersecurity hygiene that you can follow to stay safe online.
1. Firewalls
Firewalls are a type of security software that regulates the traffic accessing your device or servers from the internet.
Most laptops and personal computers come with a firewall built in, so take the time to review your settings and verify this security feature.
For websites and email servers, you may have to install a firewall proactively, and this is a key step, so set a budget aside and get help from a professional when doing it for your site.
2. Data-Wiping Software
When you install a new piece of software or add-on, your devices also keep the files of the old version. These unused files can actually be used by hackers and other criminals to potentially gain access to your smartphone and laptop unless you remove them.
You are even more vulnerable if your family has access to your gadgets, especially elderly people or children, according to Hari Ravichandran those are the age groups that are most affected by hackers.
You don’t have to figure out where these old files are stored either — instead, you should research a reliable data-wiping software that handles this for you.
3. A Password Manager
It’s always a good idea to use unique, long, and complex passwords that can’t easily be guessed. However, this can also become an issue if you have dozens of different work tools and access a large number of platforms on a daily basis.
As an alternative, you can always start using password management software. In short, these apps store your password and enter it into the website you’re trying to access without revealing it on your screen.
4. Connection Encryption Tools
One of the best ways to boost cyber hygiene and prevent security breaches is to use a virtual private network or VPN, which encrypts your connection while online.
An encrypted internet connection means that the data sent to and from your device cannot be intercepted or deciphered. Click here to learn more about using a VPN and how to choose the best one.
5. A Robust Antivirus
With more than 900 million active users, antivirus platforms are among the most popular security software.
While all of them are designed to protect devices from malware, it’s important to choose an anti-virus from a trustworthy provider.
This will help ensure that it’s a robust platform and that the developers are constantly working to address new security issues.
Problems Caused By Poor Cyber Hygiene
Let’s take a look at some of the issues that can arise due to poor cyber hygiene.
- Weak passwords: Weak passwords are easy to hack, especially if they’re related to a date or person close to you.
- Outdated software: Outdated software is a synonym for security breaches, as hackers can take advantage of patches and issues that haven’t been fixed.
- No existing backups: Ransomware is a common type of malware that can sequester your files until you pay the orchestrator, but having a backup can mitigate this scenario.
- Higher chances of falling victim to fraud: Whether it’s due to viruses, elaborated phishing campaigns, or one of the techniques listed above, poor cyber hygiene can make you more susceptible to a malicious attack.
To Wrap Up
Following cyber hygiene best practices is easy, and it can help prevent huge problems.
As long as you follow hygiene best practices like using firewalls, connecting through encryption tools, and choosing a robust password manager, you should avoid security issues related to your personal or work devices.
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