It is no news that being on the internet has amazing benefits and the risk attached with this keeps increasing daily as well.
As a user of Cyberspace, you are exposed to different risks like cyberbullying. This is particularly common among teenagers, where they spread lies and nasty comments about one another. Other risks include privacy invasion, identity theft, internet fraud, virus attack, etc.
But the risk with the highest threat level is non-ethical hacking. This involves data breaches, theft, and loss by cybercriminals. It is important to know how you can prevent yourself from these risks. This is the primary purpose of this article.
In this article, you’ll learn seven computing tips to secure your data and device without securing a degree in cybersecurity.
Secure Cyber Security Computing Tips
Make Sure Your Software is Up to Date
As simple as it may sound, keeping your software up to date can help you secure your data. How do hackers access and hijack your information? Hackers primarily leverage loopholes present in the backend code of your software.
Software engineers often try to eliminate and reduce these loopholes once they are detected. This process often leads to the release of a newer software update with more secure backend code. EV Code Signing Certificates can help it with the most higher level security of your code and prevent code tempering. Experts specialized in Cybersecurity recommend regularly updating your software and operating systems with the latest versions to minimize the risk of data breaches. Additionally, having strong passwords and two-factor authentication enable an extra layer of security when accessing online services.
However, failing to update your software may expose you to these potential risks. Below are a few tips to get this done:
- Enable automatic software updates on your device
- Update your internet browser plug-ins as well.
- Enable automatic updates for your browser securities.
Install an Antivirus and Firewall for Protection
Asides from hackers in cyberspace, there are also dangerous files containing viruses. Viruses can damage your system software, interrupt your system functionality, and lead to the potential loss of your data.
It is difficult to recognize a file infected with a virus before downloading or transferring it to your device. So to prevent that, it is important that you install Antivirus software and a Firewall for file protection.
Antivirus software blocks various malicious viruses like malware and trojan horses from accessing your device. It is recommended only to install antivirus software from trusted providers. One effective antivirus software is enough to offer your device maximum protection.
A firewall protects your files from malicious attacks. A firewall can shut out hackers and stop viruses and other internet-sourced malicious activities. It also filters the type of traffic that enters your device.
Often, Windows and Mac operating systems are produced with their respective firewalls. You should ensure you use a router with an in-built firewall. This secures and prevents your network from potential attacks.
Hire a Professional With a Degree In Cybersecurity
Are you running a business, or are you in charge of data storage in a firm? For maximum security, it is recommended you hire the service of a professional with a degree in cybersecurity.
For businesses and companies with numerous end-user data, a cybersecurity professional is needed. He would be able to set up the necessary security measures. And these security measures would guarantee the safety of each user’s data in the company’s backend.
The service of a cybersecurity professional can be a bit expensive. However, if the safety of your end-user data outweighs the cost of hiring a professional, then go for it.
Use A Strong Password To Secure Your Information
Not everyone can afford to get a degree in cybersecurity or hire a professional. So, how do you secure your accounts on the internet? The answer to this question is to use a strong, non-guessable password.
Software developers and engineers can only try their best to ensure the backend protection of your files. However, your files would still be at risk of invasion if you use a weak password. And with a strong password, hackers can’t easily access your data.
How do you set a strong password?
Here are a few tips on how to set up a strong password:
- Don’t use something spell-able. However, choose something you can easily remember or save your password on cloud storage.
- Ensure you use a complex mixture of symbols, numbers, upper and lowercase letters
- Make sure your password is eight characters minimum, and 64 characters maximum.
- Use Different passwords for different accounts. Do not repeat passwords.
- Change your password once a year and reset it if you can’t remember it.
In addition, you can use a password management tool or a password vault to manage and secure all your account passwords.
Use Two-Factor Authentication for Extra Layer of Protection
The most recent trend for account security is the use of Two-Factor Authentication. This serves as an extra layer of security and a means of identity confirmation.
The Two-Factor Authentication uses a set of varying six-digit codes which are unique to individual accounts. These codes become invalid after a minute, and new codes are available on the authenticator app.
To set up a Two-Factor Authentication on your account, copy the setup key or scan the QR code on your account with the Two-Factor Authentication app.
An account without Two-Factor Authentication can be accessed with the right username and password. But an account with 2-FA would be prompted to input a unique six-digit code. This is displayed on the authenticator app.
Educate Yourself About Phishing Scams
What are phishing scams? It is an attempt by a cyber criminal to trick victims into releasing important account credentials. Here, a cybercriminal poses as a recognized official organization to retrieve information from their victims. Or make them click malicious links and open attachments which contain viruses that can infect their system.
Most ransomware attacks are performed using phishing email or link attempts.
Here are a few tips to protect yourself from phishing schemes:
- Don’t open unrecognizable emails.
- Compare new links from an official body with the official page link to spot differences.
- Do not enter your details on a non-secure link.
- Check the mail category and scan for grammatical errors.
Bottom Line
The importance of an efficient cybersecurity system cannot be overemphasized. Cybercriminals are increasing daily and the need for professionals and new talents with degrees in cybersecurity keeps rising as well.
However, with the few secure cybersecurity computing tips mentioned in this article, you can ensure your data protection in cyberspace.
