In this post, let us consider the best cyber hygiene activities to help you stay safe online.
Cyber Hygiene—What Is It, Really?
Cyber hygiene is a set of steps recommended to safeguard your online identity. The steps are not the same for everyone, and it really depends on a person’s online activities.
In fact, there is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to cyber hygiene. The goal is to put you in a position where you can actively protect your data and identity.
It is about minimizing your risks and making better decisions.
Cyber hygiene is not about changing passwords, avoiding phishing emails, or avoiding sketchy websites. It is about thinking like an attacker and choosing not to be an easy target.
Good Cyber Hygiene Activities to Keep You Safe Online
Establish good password management with complex passwords
The most common way people lose their data is by using weak passwords. So, the first piece of advice is to use complex passwords.
Cybercriminals use data mining and brute force attacks to crack passwords. The longer the password is, the harder it is for them to crack it.
The best password managers offer a high level of protection for your data. They also generate complex and unique passwords every time you sign in.
However, it is also important to avoid writing down your passwords or storing them online in an unsecured location.
You can always use an encrypted password manager like LastPass or 1Password to store your login credentials online.
Update all devices and apps with security patches
Whenever there is a new patch available for your device or app, upgrade it immediately. If you’re not sure how to do it, ask someone who knows more about computers than you do.
Keep all devices up to date because these patches fix existing security holes that could be exploited by hackers. Several attacks rely on known vulnerabilities. So, installing updates closes up those holes before they can be exploited by cybercriminals.
Some patches are optional. But, you should still install them as soon as you can. This is because many malicious apps try to exploit known vulnerabilities in older versions.
Avoid accessing sensitive accounts from public Wi-Fi networks
If you frequent coffee shops and restaurants that offer free Wi-Fi access, avoid accessing your bank accounts or social media profiles over these connections.
Attackers can intercept the data sent over these connections if they are not encrypted or secured with a proper password.
They can also record all the information sent over the network. Then, they can potentially use it for impersonating you later on.
Use only secure connections while accessing any sensitive data over public Wi-Fi networks like those found at coffee shops, hotels, airports, and so on.
Use two-factor authentication whenever possible
Two-factor authentication makes it harder for cybercriminals to hack into your accounts. It adds an extra layer of security to your login credentials.
This additional layer of security is a second password that you need to enter every time you log in from a new device or location. The second password can be generated randomly by the app or website.
Enable this feature on all online accounts that offer it. This includes email, social networking, and online banking websites.