Cyber security can be so huge and sometimes abstract, that it can overwhelm even the most technically savvy people. So imagine what happens to the typical smartphone, desktop, laptop, or tablet user when they begin to consider steps they should take to prevent viruses, malware, ransomware, data breaches, and hacking events. Sometimes it may seem like it is inevitable that a cyber crime will happen to you. Cyber predators can steal personal information and use elements of an identity to commit fraud in addition to damaging your computer, potentially permanently. But there are steps that even novices can take to personally protect themselves from malicious cyber events. Here are a few suggestions to protect yourself:
- Be Cautious Online – When surfing the net or shopping online, be sure that you are on secure sites, especially if you are entering your credit card or personal information. To be secure, check that you are on a HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure) site in the URL.
- Update Software – Those pesky updates are not only meant to install the updated version of the software you already have, but also to install the latest security fixes and patches for weaknesses in your security.
- Social Networking Warning – Avoid giving out personal information on social media such as your birthday or other sensitive information that could be used to create a fake identity.
- Attachments – Do NOT open attachments or links if you do not know who the sender is or if the attachment seems out of the ordinary.
- Use Secure Passwords – Always practice good password protection. Never use a word or number that is easily figured out from learning a little bit about your life such as your dog’s name, anniversary, or birthday. Use a password manager to help you remember them and create distinctly different passwords for each account.
Categorised in: IT Consulting Services, Security