How to Be Cybersmart
Have you or your business organization ever received a cybersecurity threat? Well, it is something that should not be ignored.
These malicious cyber attacks could damage your data and place your confidential and critical information technology assets at risk. These threats include computer viruses, data breaches, ransomware, and Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, among others.
With the progress of digital transformation, these cybersecurity threats have become more pervasive, targeting organizations and companies working remotely. These threats are becoming more common nowadays as more companies, especially business and IT organizations, migrate to the cloud to facilitate remote working setup.
So here are simple and practical tips that can help keep you cyber smart and make your digital life safe and secure.
1. Beware of Phishing
Be cautious of suspicious emails and carefully examine all the messages you receive. Always double-check the sender’s email address, look for poorly written material, and don’t accept unexpected MFA requests.
2. Keep your device and software up-to-date
Ensure you install security updates immediately once you receive an alert or notification. These updates are not just about upgrading application features but also about fixing your device or software vulnerabilities. Older software is often susceptible to cyberattacks, giving cybercriminals unauthorized access to your system.
3. Regularly conduct a data audit
Always make sure to have a digital headcount of who has access to your digital data and where your data is. You can also back up your data regularly, for instance, every week, so you won’t lose any of it in the event of a cyber attack.
4. Do not entertain online requests asking for personal information
Scams, fraud, and phishing emails often pretend to be legitimate businesses to trick you into giving your personal information. Do not provide personal and sensitive information online, especially email requests that you’re unsure about. Make sure to carefully assess such requests before giving out any personal information, including your financial details.
5. Keep your credentials in check is crucial for cybersecurity
Keep track of all the passwords you use and update those older and weaker ones. In updating your passwords, you may add a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it more complex. You may also use a password manager, which will store and manage your passwords.
Turning on two-factor authentication is also a great way to help you protect your online accounts from being hacked, such as your email and social media accounts.
6. Avoid sensitive transactions on an unsecured network
Unsecured networks such as an open hotspot or free wifi put your sensitive data at risk as anyone can access and get hold of it. So make sure to do sensitive transactions such as online shopping or internet banking only through a secured network.
7. Have your computer scanned for viruses and malware
Ensure to run a virus scan regularly and clean up any malware it identifies. You may use the pre-installed antivirus software on your computer or if you don’t have one, you might want to consider investing in it.
However, do not just download any free antivirus software online, as some are fake. Instead of assisting you in detecting and removing malware or adware, they may download it into your machine.
If you are working for an organization, make sure to tell your IT person if you have encountered or found malware on your computer, as this kind of cybersecurity threat may affect the whole system of your business organization.
There is no bulletproof way to prevent cybercriminals from attacking. While various digital and built-in security measures could help lessen the risk of cybersecurity threats, if we have left essential things unchecked, the chance of cybercriminals getting critical data would likely remain.
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