The advantages to using the internet are boundless with numerous sources of information and worldwide social connections. However, because it is public, it comes with risks and potential dangers for the protection of personal data.
Billions of people surf the internet daily, and scams as well as cybercrimes are increasingly commonplace. Knowing how you can protect yourself and your property online becomes a question of personal safety. The value of cybersecurity insurance can never be underestimated.
Here are ten easy steps to improve your personal cybersecurity starting immediately.
Step 1: Beware of Phishing
Pause before answering any unknown emails. The most common kind of cyberattack is known as phishing. In these attacks, fraudsters send fake emails from apparently trustworthy accounts.
In some cases, these cybercriminals use spear phishing which is targeted. They research their victim to send convincing emails in the hopes of scamming them.
These emails invite you to click on a download or a link to get you to share your personal data or they may infect your computer, smartphone, or tablet with malicious software or ransomware.
Be leery of unexpected emails, strange email addresses, or any unusual SMS. If you have doubts, contact the sender’s website, or the company purportedly involved to verify the veracity of the message or email.
Step 2: Password Security
People have dozens of website profiles that ask for a username and password. Memorizing these credentials for every site becomes literally impossible, so most people use the same passwords for several sites.
These passwords will include dates, numbers, names, or words that have some meaning for us. So, if you’re using your children’s or spouse’s birthdate, name, or nickname, don’t.
If you are afraid of forgetting your password, try a phrase with three or more words. Longer, complex passwords are much more difficult for criminals to decrypt. Full sentences are ideal as these would take years if not decades to crack, and full sentences are easier to remember.
Never use the same password for more than one site, and if the website offers MFA or multi-factor authentication, use it as this adds another layer of protection.
Step 3: Discretion Above All
Even if you are connecting through the internet, you need to consider how much you reveal about yourself. Being discreet makes it more difficult for scammers to learn about you. Always decide how much information you want to reveal on social platforms and check your privacy and security settings.
Be aware that your PII – Personal Identifiable Information can help cybercriminals not only identify you but locate you. PII includes:
- Name, and address or phone numbers
- Social security number
- Birth date
- Location information
- IP address
Follow your credit card companies and bank’s procedures for online security when making purchases.
Step 4: Update Operating Systems
Computers are fantastic for storing personal data and photographs. Mobile devices allow us to have the info and photos always on hand at the touch of a fingertip. But imagine losing that information. Permitting your personal data to fall into the hands of criminals would be a nightmare.
To guarantee your protection, it is essential to update apps, software programs, and operating systems. Updates are designed to protect against new potential viruses with security updates. If you fail to update, your devices will be vulnerable. When updating software, always backup your device first.
Step 5: Report Suspicious Activity
If you receive suspicious emails or SMS, or are sent to fraudulent websites, report this to the company or service provider. These companies have cyber security experts, so by sharing this information, they will work to block attacks and prevent further security incursions. You’ll be aiding the protection of other clients as well.
It is also important to do the same for social networks. Report suspicious activity to Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or similar for your and everyone else’s protection.
Step 6: Firewall and Anti-Virus Protection
A firewall on computers will screen for hackers and viruses to defend your personal data from attack. Your internet router should also have its own firewall. Anti-virus software is designed to block viruses and malware. These enter your device with the intent of accessing data. When selecting AV software, only run one and acquire it from a trustworthy vendor.
Step 7: Perform Regular Data Back-Ups
Backing up your data can be one of the best tools in online security. Cybersecurity experts use a 3-2-1 rule. They recommend keeping 3 copies of personal data on 2 kinds of media such as an external hard drive and a local source. A final single copy should be kept on the cloud or at some other off-site location.
Should you fall victim to ransomware, you will be able to recuperate your data by erasing your systems and restoring it with your back-up data.
Step 8: Secure Mobile Devices
Mobile malware is on the rise! Mobile botnets, outdated apps, mobile spyware, and ‘Ad and Click’ fraud are among the principal new threats to mobile devices. To protect your mobile devices:
- Invent a difficult entry code that is not a bank pin or birthdate
- Only acquire apps from trustworthy sources
- Update your device’s operating system
- Do not include sensitive data in emails or SMS
- Use Android Device Manager or Find My iPhone to impede theft or loss
- Back up your mobile device regularly
Step 9: Avoid Public Wi-Fi
Use a VPN – Virtual Private Network if you plan on using Wi-Fi that is public such as in an airport, library, or elsewhere. This will encrypt any traffic between your device and the network and make it more difficult for criminals to access your data. If you don’t have a VPN, use your cell phone’s network.
Step 10: Payment Protection
Do not use your credit cards or a debit card when paying for purchases online. Use nothing that is directly connected to your bank account. Use virtual one-time credit cards offered by banks and credit card companies, services like PayPal, Skrill, or similar, or if using a credit card make sure it has insurance.
Also, avoid saving your payment information. Should a company suffer a data breach, your credit card number can’t be stolen if it hasn’t been saved.
What if You Become a Victim?
Should you be victimized by a cyberattack, take these steps to mitigate the consequences:
- Choose all new passwords
- Inform all companies and service providers involved
- Inform your contacts not to open SMS or emails
Check online resources for what to do in case of an attack, and if necessary, visit the cybersecurity division of local authorities for assistance.