Malicious links, trojans, and viruses have made the internet a dangerous place to be. Data breaches are becoming more common, making unwary users more vulnerable than ever. There are so many dangers lurking online that users need to be aware of how they can take necessary precautions to be safe while using the internet. One must educate themselves with knowledge and resources to protect themselves from the ever- changing and more complicated computer security dangers.
1. You aren't invincible
Ctrl + Z isn't always enough to undo a mistake. If you think, "it won't happen to me," or "I don't access risky websites," you're setting yourself up for failure.Nowadays, it is a truth that all persons and organizations who are connected to the internet are susceptible to cyber attacks. When it comes to cybercrime, criminals don't discriminate. So don't wait for someone else to take action for you.
2. Wild clicking is a big mistake
Avoid browsing unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources. These sites often host malware that will automatically install (sometimes surreptitiously) and corrupt your machine. If attachments or links in the email seem unexpected or suspect for any reason, don't click on it. ISO advises using Click-to-Play ,browser add-on features that prohibit the automatic download of plug-in content (e.g., Java, Flash) and scripts that can harbor dangerous code.
3. Secure your account by using two-factor authentication (2FA)
Two-factor or multi-factor authentication is even more critical than having a solid password. For example, suppose a hacker manages to guess your password. In that case, there is still an additional degree of security in place to prevent your account from being compromised.
4. Keeping track of your digital footprint is essential!
Keep track of your digital footprint by managing the information you freely share on the Internet and employing solutions to keep your data and networks secure. Controlling access to personal data and exercising self-control online also contribute to the protection of your digital footprint.
5. Stay up-to-date
Software update notifications annoy a lot of people, and you're not the only one. However, when security weaknesses are uncovered, software patches can be deployed. So rebooting your device vs. placing yourself in danger of malware and other forms of computer infection cannot be a difficult decision to make.
6. Make sure you're connected safely
Many tech experts have given advice on this. Yet, many people still don't follow it. You may be tempted to connect your device to an unsecured network, but the risks are too high to justify the trade-off. Whenever possible, use private networks, especially if you're dealing with sensitive information.
7. Social engineering is a real danger
A security flaw isn't going to stop hackers from attempting to break into your system. Social engineering is the psychological manipulation of people to execute actions or divulge secret information in the context of information security.. To get access to systems and information, this type of attack is more of a mental assault on the user than a physical assault on the equipment. Cybercrooks are constantly coming up with new ways to con people, especially when so much information is available online and on social media.
8. Make a backup of your data
Ensure that you have a copy of your data in case something happens to your computer. Storage is no longer prohibitively expensive. If you don't have a backup of your vital data, you have no excuses. Use both a physical place and the cloud to store your data. Keep in mind that malware and hackers aren't necessarily out to steal your data. Still, they may instead wish to encrypt or completely delete it. To have the ultimate recovery tool, you should back it up.
9. Ensure that your mobile device is safe and secure
Your computer's security doesn't end there. It's critical that you get in the practice of protecting your online presence, even when you're on the go. Don't connect automatically to any public Wi-Fi and download with caution. Use strong passwords and biometric features. Turn off Bluetooth.
10. Look for phishing scams in your emails!
Do you know that 3 billion phishing emails are sent every day? They are one of the biggest cybersecurity dangers. Phishing is a scam when a hacker pretends to be a well-known person to fool the recipient into opening a harmful link or exposing personal information. The easiest method to avoid phishing scams are as follows.
1. Prevent emails from unknown senders.
2. Search for grammatical errors or inconsistencies in the email that appears odd.
3. Hover over any link you get to verify its destination.Everyone bears some level of responsibility for cyber security. By following the advice provided here and being watchful, you are doing your part to protect yourself and those around you. These tips may sound simple, but still, they can go a long way.