Online Security 101: How to Stay Safe from Cyber Threats

We live in a world with no shortage of criminals or security threats. As cyber threats expand, everyone must act to protect themselves. If you have just begun with cybersecurity and are looking for some introductory learning resources, look no further. Below is a primer on the basics and steps to secure your online life.

Defend With Strong and Unique Passwords

Using strong and unique passwords is one of the easiest yet most impactful ways to protect your online accounts. Do not use common words, birthdays, or easily guessable phrases. Instead, use uppercase and lowercase alphabetic characters, numbers, and special characters. Use a password manager to create and safely store long passwords.

However, you are not immune to having your accounts compromised, so be sure to enable Two-factor authentication (2FA).

Enable Two-factor Authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an added layer of security that requires you to verify your identity with a code sent to your phone or email and enter your password. Use two-factor authentication (2FA) on your online accounts whenever possible, especially for banking, email, and social media accounts.

Always Update Software and Devices

Cybercriminals frequently take advantage of weaknesses in older software to infiltrate systems. Keep your operating system, antivirus software, web browsers, and applications up to date to eliminate vulnerabilities and protect against malware.

Do Not Open Emails and Links Casually

Phishing attacks continue to be among the most common cybersecurity threats. Always check if the email's sender is correct before clicking the link or downloading attachments. Look for signs of phishing, like typos, urgent requests, or suspicious sender addresses. When in doubt, visit the web directly instead of following email links.

Get Something Called a Secure Internet Connection

Public Wi-Fi networks are hotspots for cyber threats. If you need to connect to public Wi-Fi, make sure you don't access sensitive accounts on open networks, or consider using a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection and keep your data safe from lurking hackers.

Be Social Media Responsible

Cybercriminals often use social media profiles to collect personal information to create targeted attacks. Be careful of what you post online, change your privacy settings, and never post sensitive information, such as your home address or travel plans.

Backup Your Data Regularly

Ransomware and accidental data loss can be catastrophic. Regularly back up essential files  to an external hard drive or secure cloud storage service. This enables you to restore your data during a cyber incident.

Conclusion

Cybersecurity is a team effort, and these basic measures can go a long way toward reducing the chances of becoming a victim of cyberattacks. Protect yourself, your data, and your online presence by practicing good cybersecurity hygiene. So remain alert and educated about cyber safety strategies to ensure your protection and that of others in the digital world.

Keep visiting InfoSecureWorld for updates. Visit eccouncil.com for more cybersecurity tips, course recommendations, and certification guides!