How To Be Safer Online – Some Cybersecurity Tips
Cybersecurity is essential for protecting personal and business data from cyber threats. Here are some key tips to stay secure online:
Use Strong Passwords
A strong password is one that is difficult for attackers to guess or crack. Here are key characteristics of a strong password:
Length – At least 12-16 characters long (longer is better).
Complexity – Includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
Uniqueness – Not reused across multiple accounts.
Randomness – Avoids common words, phrases, or personal information (e.g., birthdays, pet names).
Passphrases – A combination of random words can be easier to remember but still secure (e.g., "Timber!FrostQuilt73").
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Yes, we know MFA is annoying, but it is a crucial security measure that helps protect accounts from unauthorised access. Here’s why you should use it:
Passwords alone are vulnerable to hacking techniques like phishing, brute force attacks, and credential stuffing. MFA adds an extra layer of protection, making it significantly harder for attackers to gain access.
Even if a hacker steals your password, they would still need another form of authentication—such as a fingerprint, security key, or one-time code—to access your account.
MFA ensures that only verified users can log in, reducing the chances of cybercriminals exploiting stolen credentials.
Many platforms offer adaptive MFA, which only prompts users for additional authentication when a login attempt seems suspicious (e.g., logging in from a new device or location).
Keep Software & Devices Updated
Systems sometimes prompt you to install software updates at the most inconvenient times, but keeping your software and devices updated is one of the most important steps you can take to protect yourself from cyber threats. Here’s why:
Security Patches: Updates often contain fixes for vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. Without updates, your system becomes an easy target.
Protection Against Malware: Cybercriminals constantly develop new methods to break into systems. Updated security features help keep your devices protected.
Improved Performance: Updates don’t just boost security—they can also optimise performance, fix bugs, and ensure compatibility with new applications.
Data Protection: Cyberattacks can lead to data breaches. Keeping systems up to date helps safeguard personal and sensitive information.
Compliance: Many industries require regular updates to meet security standards. Falling behind could lead to compliance issues.
Thankfully, many systems can handle the download and update process for you – all you have to do is give the go-ahead!
Be Cautious with Links & Attachments
Cybercriminals often use malicious links and attachments to spread malware, steal data, or launch phishing attacks.
Here are some key red flags to watch for:
Sender’s Email Address: Check if the domain matches the official website of the sender. Scammers often use slight misspellings (e.g., "amaz0n.com" instead of "amazon.com").
Urgency & Threats: If the email pressures you to act immediately or threatens consequences (e.g., "Your account will be closed!"), be cautious.
Poor Grammar & Spelling: Legitimate companies proofread their emails. If you spot errors, it might be a scam.
Suspicious Links & Attachments: Hover over links to see where they lead before clicking. Unexpected attachments can contain malware.
Requests for Personal Information: No legitimate company will ask for sensitive details like passwords or credit card numbers via email.
If an email seems off, don’t click anything—verify directly with the company through official channels.
Back Up Your Data Regularly
Regular data backups help protect your data from threats like ransomware, accidental deletion, and hardware failures. Here’s why they matter:
Protection Against Ransomware: If cybercriminals encrypt your files and demand a ransom, having backups means you can restore your data without paying.
Recovery from Hardware Failures: Hard drives and storage devices can fail unexpectedly. Backups ensure you don’t lose important files.
Accidental Deletion: Mistakes happen! A backup lets you recover lost files quickly.
Disaster Recovery: Fires, floods, or cyberattacks can wipe out data. Backups ensure business continuity and personal data safety.
A good backup strategy follows the 3-2-1 rule:
3 copies of your data (original + two backups)
2 different storage types (external drive + cloud)
1 copy stored offsite (cloud or separate location)
Use Secure Networks
Using an unencrypted network is a major cybersecurity risk because it leaves your data vulnerable to interception by hackers.
Ways to Stay Safe:
Connect to Secure Wi-Fi: Always use networks with WPA2 or WPA3 encryption.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions: If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid logging into banking or personal accounts.
Enable HTTPS: Ensure websites use HTTPS encryption before entering sensitive information. Heed any browser warnings that say the website isn’t safe.
Monitor Your Accounts for Unusual Activity
If you notice logins from unfamiliar locations or at odd times, it could indicate unauthorised access.
If your passwords have been changed without your knowledge, your account may be compromised.
Look for suspicious transactions: Cybercriminals may attempt fraudulent purchases or transfers using stolen credentials.
Be wary of phishing attempts from emails, texts, or social media messages to trick you into revealing sensitive information.
Monitor device performance: If your device slows down, overheats, or displays unusual pop-ups, it could be infected with malware.
Be Mindful of Social Media Sharing
Sharing on social media does come with cybersecurity risks. Ways to stay safe:
Limit personal information: Avoid sharing sensitive details like your full address, phone number, or financial information.
Adjust privacy settings: Make sure your accounts are set to private so only trusted people can see your posts.
Be cautious with links: Scammers often use fake links to steal your data—don’t click on anything suspicious.
Think before you post: Once something is online, it’s hard to remove. Avoid sharing anything that could be used against you.
Watch out for impersonation: Cybercriminals can create fake profiles to trick you into revealing personal information.
Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant is key
If you operate your own software system in your business and would like to talk about ways to make your system more cyber-safe, feel free to contact EYB Solutions for more information.
