Top 10 Cyber Tips to Stay Safe Online

Cyber security threats are becoming more advanced but so are the information security systems. However, the weakest point of any security solution are humans. One careless action of a user can crumble any security system no matter how expensive or well-designed it may be.

Do not be that one careless user that the cyber hackers adore. Get informed with these cyber security tips and protect your system and your data from undesirable cyber attacks.

  1. First off, it is important that you know that you are not immune to these cyber attacks and that you can be a potential victim just like most of the unsuspecting public. By knowing this, you can be more aware of your actions and be more vigilant of the possible cyber security threats.

 

  1. Strengthen your passwords and update them regularly. To make a strong password, mix up alphanumeric characters, use symbols if it is allowed, and make it long with more than just eight characters. Make it complicated but, at the same time, memorable. Never make it so simple for the reason that you do not want to forget it. Also, try not to use only one password for multiple accounts – change the passwords up a bit so they are still easy to remember but slightly different from each other.

 

  1. Another cyber security tip is to always lock your devices and computers when you are not using them or when you leave them unattended. Never let even a short moment of vulnerability happen as this is the perfect chance for a cyber attack. Without locking your devices and computers, other people can easily access and download your information, which will then be used for malicious purposes.

 

  1. This may be the most overused cyber security tip but beware of links and attachments from unknown email senders as they often lead to harmful domain where a malware will be instantly downloaded and installed into your computer system. Always think and double-check before clicking anything that may seem suspicious.

 

  1. When you are using other people’s devices and public computers and when you are connected to the public WiFi (which you should avoid, by the way), do not browse or access any of your sensitive information such as your online banking account, business email, etc. Chances are, your data can be easily copied or stolen.

 

  1. Back up your data as often as every week. Back it up on several external drives or in a reliable cloud storage service.

 

  1. Make sure your apps and programs are updated, especially your anti-virus software. Software updates include recognition and protection of new virus or malware, which the outdated version may not have.

 

  1. Nowadays, we share a lot of personal information in our social media accounts (which may also be viewable by the general public). Avoid sharing your real-time location, specific details about an upcoming trip (do not let potential robbers know that your house will be empty), where you work or go to school, etc. These information, although may seem harmless at first, can be used to harm you.

 

  1. Another important cyber security tip is to utilize anti-virus protection and firewalls. It may be the oldest trick in the book but the reason why it is still so relevant because it actually works against cyber security threats

10. Do not use public WiFi. We understand the need during those emergency situations when the public WiFi is the only option there is. No worries! You can still use public WiFi but make sure to also use VPN, or Virtual Private Network, which encrypts the traffic between your device and the VPN server, making it more difficult for cybercriminals to gain access to your device.