16 Jun
1. Keep software up to date
Software companies typically provide software updates for 3 reasons: to add new features, fix known bugs, and update security.
Always update to the latest version of your software to protect yourself from new or existing security vulnerabilities.
2. Avoid opening suspicious emails
If an email looks suspicious, don’t open it because it could be a phishing scam.
Someone could be posing as another person or company to gain access to your personal information. Sometimes emails can also include attachments or links that can infect your devices.
3. Keep your hardware up to date
Outdated computer hardware may not be compatible with the latest software security updates. Also, older hardware makes it slower to respond to cyber attacks if they happen. Be sure to use computer hardware that is the most up-to-date.
4. Use a secure file sharing solution
Adopt a secure file sharing solution like TitanFile to encrypt your files while in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access and keep your files safe. After all, your files are only as safe as the tools you use to share them.
5. Use antivirus and antimalware
As long as you are connected to the web, it is impossible to have complete and total protection against malware. However, you can significantly reduce your vulnerability by making sure you have antivirus and at least one antimalware installed on your computers.
6. Use a VPN to privatize your connections
For a more secure and privatized network, use a virtual private network (VPN). It will encrypt your connection and protect your private information, even from your internet service provider.
7. Check links before clicking
Links can easily be disguised as something they’re not, so it’s best to check before clicking on a hyperlink. In most browsers, you can see the destination URL by hovering over the link. Do this to check links before clicking on them.
8. Don’t be lazy with your passwords!
Put more effort into creating your passwords. You can use a tool like howsecureismypassword.net to find out how secure your passwords are.
9. Turn off Bluetooth when you don’t need it
Devices can be hacked via Bluetooth and subsequently your private information can be stolen. If there is no reason to have Bluetooth on, turn it off!
10. Enable 2-factor authentication
Many platforms now allow you to enable two-factor authentication to keep your accounts more secure. It’s another layer of protection that helps verify that it’s actually you accessing your account and not someone who’s not authorized. Please enable this security feature when you can.
11. Remove adware from your machines
The adware collects information about you to serve you more targeted advertisements. It is better to rid your computer of all forms of adware to maintain your privacy. Use AdwCleaner to clean adware and unwanted programs from your computer.
12. Double check HTTPS on websites
When you are on a website that does not use HTTPS, there is no guarantee that the transfer of information between you and the site’s server will be secure. Double check that a site is using HTTPS before providing personal or private information.
13. Do not store important information in unsafe places
When you store information online, you want to keep it in a location that cannot be accessed by unauthorized users.
14. Scan external storage devices for viruses
External storage devices are just as prone to malware as internal storage devices. If you connect an infected external device to your computer, malware can spread. Always scan external devices for malware before accessing them.
15. Avoid using public networks
When you connect to a public network, you share the network with everyone who is also connected. Any information you send or retrieve over the network is vulnerable. Stay away from public networks or use a VPN when connected to one.
16. Avoid the “safe enough” mentality
Unless you are completely isolated from the rest of the world, there is no such thing as being “safe enough”. Big companies like Facebook spend a fortune on security every year, but are still plagued by cyberattacks.
17. Invest in security updates
Following the advice above, try to invest in security updates when they become available. It is better to eat the costs of security than to pay the consequences of a security breach!
18. Backup important data
Important data can be lost as a result of a security breach. To ensure that you are prepared to restore data once it is lost, you should ensure that your important information is frequently backed up to the cloud or to a local storage device.
19. Train employees
The key to making cyber security work is making sure your employees are well-trained, on sync, and consistently exercising security practices. Sometimes a mistake by a poorly trained employee can cause an entire security system to collapse.
20. Use HTTPS on your website
Having an SSL certificate installed and HTTPS enabled on your website will help encrypt all information that travels between a visitor’s browser and your web server.
21. Hire a “white hat” hacker
Not all hackers are bad. Some hackers expose security risks in order to help others improve their cybersecurity by keeping them aware of security flaws and fixing them. These hackers are known as “white hat” hackers. You might benefit from hiring one to help you find risks you never knew you had.