Cyberattacks and cybercrimes worldwide are becoming increasingly common, so it's important to know what you can do to protect your information online. They are attacks carried out by third parties to gain access to resources they don't have the proper rights to, destroy sensitive and important information, extort money from users or disrupt the workflow of a business.
Attackers are always well-read and one step ahead!
There are many ways to reduce your risk and prevent a cybersecurity attack. Here are our simple and practical tips to help you keep your personal information safe online.
1. Back up your data
Backing up the data on your devices in a separate location is one of the most important things you should do. If you are targeted by a cyber attack, you may not be able to access or use your computer, phone, or any other device. However, if you have backed up your data, you will not lose any of it, no matter what happens to your device.
What to do
Tips. [*]Subscribe to a cloud service (cloud computing) and periodically (weekly) back up your data. [/LIST]
2. Keep your devices and apps up to date
Don't ignore the notifications you receive for updates that either affect your device or one of your apps, you should install it as soon as possible. Updates are not only about adding new features, they are also about fixing vulnerabilities in a device or app that attackers could find and use to gain access to your system. If your device can no longer receive updates, we recommend scheduling an upgrade to a newer model.
What to do
Tips. Better yet, set your system preferences to update automatically [*]Remove any apps you no longer use from your devices. [/LIST]
3. Choose unique and strong passwords
We all have so many online accounts that it's hard to remember them all. To combat this, many of us use the same password for all our accounts or stick to two or three different ones that we usually use. The problem with this is that if an attacker gains access to one of your account passwords, they will most likely have access to many of your other accounts.
What to do
- Use a different password for each online account you create.
- Use a password manager, which will store and manage your passwords. The password manager will be the only account for which you need to remember login information.
- Try to use a short phrase or add a few random words together to create a passphrase rather than a password. Passphrases are usually stronger and easier to remember than passwords. It is also suggested that you add a combination of letters, numbers and symbols to make the passphrase more complex.
4. Enable two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) is another way you can help protect your online accounts. You can choose to have a code sent or created on your device, such as your phone, that you can use to verify who you are every time you log in. This way, even if someone gains access to your account password, if they don't receive a code for verification, they won't be able to log in to your account.
What to do
Tips:
- Always have two-factor authentication turned on for your important accounts, such as email and social media accounts.
5. Be creative with the answers to your account recovery questions
When you create a new online account, you are often asked to set an answer to an "account recovery question". These are generally used as a way to recognize you if you forget your password and need a prompt. They are often based on things you easily remember about yourself - such as your mother's maiden name, the name of your first pet or where you went to school. Unfortunately, these are also easy things for an attacker to discover and could be used to gain access to your accounts without your knowledge.
What to do
Tips. Avoid sensitive transactions and use of personal accounts on free wifi[/B]
It's good to be careful about what you do online when using a hotspot or free wifi - if you're connecting to a coffee shop, for example - most of the time these networks are not secure. When a network is not secure, anyone can access it and keep your data. So it's best to try to minimise the use of more sensitive transactions and the use of your personal accounts in places with free wifi.
What to do
Tips:
- Avoid making online purchases or online banking transactions on free wifi or on an unsecured network.
- If you need to check your email, make sure you set up two-factor authentication first.
- Use your own device where possible, not someone else's.
7. Install an anti-virus software program and perform regular virus scanning
Anti-virus software can help you detect and remove malware and viruses from your computer. If you do not already have anti-virus software installed, you should install it. Otherwise, get a legitimate antivirus program from a well-known and reputable company. Don't just download any free anti-virus software on the internet, as much of what you see advertised for free is fake. They could download malware onto your computer instead of helping you detect and remove it.
What to do
Tips:
- Install an antivirus program on your computer. If you are not sure you can install it yourself, there are many computer service companies that can do it for you.
- Have a regular scan, for example every week.
- Tell the responsible IT person in your organisation about any viruses you have found.
8. Be careful about social media
Did you know that the information you post on your Facebook profile, Twitter, Linkedin or Instagram account could be used to steal your identity or hack into your online accounts? We are so used to sharing things online that we don't think about it anymore. Everyone knows your pet's name, where you went to school, where you work and even when you're away on vacation.
Unfortunately, this window into your life not only lets your friends and family know what you're doing, but also provides cybercriminals with information they can use to access your data or steal your identity.
What to do
Tips. Set them up so that only your friends and family can see your full details. [*]Don't put too much personal information on your accounts and social media. [*]Remember our advice on passwords. Use unique and strong passwords. [/LIST]
9. Limit the personal information you give out online
Online scams (fraud, spam) and phishing emails are used by many criminals, both online and offline, to trick unsuspecting users into giving out their personal information and/or installing malware on their computers, devices and/or networks. Criminals usually do everything they can to make their scam look and sound legitimate, which makes it easier to deceive users.
Do not give out personal information online unless you know who is asking for it and why.
What to do
Tips. Make sure you know how the companies/banks you are dealing with will contact you and know what kind of information they will ask for. For example, a bank will never send you an email with links to connect electronically to your personal account. [*]If you are not sure why you are being asked for information, call the company/bank directly to check why they want it. [*]If you receive any online requests for personal or financial information that you are not sure about, do some checking before providing your information. [/LIST]
10. Check your bank account activity
Monitor your bank statements for suspicious activity, such as purchases or transfers between accounts that you don't expect. If you see any unusual activity, contact your bank immediately.
What to do
Tips. [*]If you spot any suspicious payments or withdrawals, inform your banking institution and the relevant authorities. [/LIST]
(NΓ/IK)
Contents of this article including associated images are owned by PIO
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or PIO
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