When you are surfing the internet or interacting on social media, you are your computer's first line of defense against cybersecurity risks, even if it doesn't occur to you at the time. Here are some good habits to adopt.
The power to protect your computer is in your hands, or rather, at your fingertips. Developing and maintaining good habits can make surfing the internet much safer and more enjoyable for you and your colleagues.
The following 7 tips will only take you a few minutes to remember and are very easy to integrate into your daily tasks.
1) Create strong passwords
Passwords are usually the first, and sometimes the only, protection against unauthorized access. They are the key to your online kingdom, so keep the following rules in mind:
When you create a password, many websites tell you whether it is secure or not. Pay attention, and if the site says your password is weak or insecure, create a better one.
Do not choose your name, common expressions, words, or abbreviations found in the dictionary, even in a foreign language.
Avoid passwords that begin or end with numbers, or use familiar patterns on the keyboard such as "Qwerty2".
Forget everything that means something. To be less vulnerable to hackers and password crackers, create passwords that consist of a mixture of letters and symbols and alternating upper and lower case.
Use a random password maker app like 1Password to create and store unique passwords.
2) Lock your computer keyboard
You never know who can use your computer when you are away, so it's important to lock your screen to prevent unauthorized access. In the office, a colleague, a visitor, or a service provider may very well consult or use your computer in your absence. This is one of the easiest ways to make private information public.
Locking your PC will only take a few seconds. Just press the Ctrl + Alt + Delete keys and select the “Lock this computer” option. For your smartphones and tablets, use the secret code function as these devices are just as vulnerable as your PC.
3) Protect your mobile devices from the risk of loss
While mobile devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, are popular for their ease of transport, this advantage can also represent a security risk. These devices are easily lost or misplaced, so consider
- make a list of phone numbers and email addresses to contact to report the theft or loss of a device
- attach a cable lock to your laptop or store it in a lockable drawer
- keep your smartphones and tablets with you in a public place
- when traveling, never put these devices in your checked baggage.
4) Protect data from mobile devices and removable media
Mobile devices and removable media, such as USB drives, allow us to easily share and transport information but can lead to data loss or misappropriation. While it is certainly important to protect the devices themselves from the risk of loss, it is just as important to protect the information they contain.
For that:
- activate and accept software updates
- create regular backups of your important data
- erase all data before throwing away, giving away, or selling a device
- encrypt all data, if possible
- use anti-virus software and maintain -the update
5) Before clicking on a URL, identify it
In short: think before you click. A fraudulent website that looks legitimate is a method commonly used by cybercriminals. However, the real destination address is easy to verify - just hover your cursor over the displayed URL and the real destination appears in a small window. If it looks suspicious to you, don't click on it.
For shortened addresses like tinyurl.com and bit.ly, just add a plus sign (+) at the end of the address to display their true source. For QR codes, choose a reader app that will allow you to preview the destination address before opening the link. And for downloading your software and mobile apps, choose a trusted site, such as Google Play, Microsoft.com, or Java.com.
6) Use public Wi-Fi safely
Public Wi-Fi is riskier than your business or home Wi-Fi because you can't check its security settings and features. So extra care should be taken when using it.
- Do not log into your sensitive personal accounts, like bank accounts
- Check that the sites have an HTTPS address and that a lock icon is displayed
- Be careful of “surfing over your shoulder”, either people or security cameras
- Never use a public computer, like the one in a hotel reception, to access your personal information
- Only use it for general websites, like weather forecasts or restaurant reviews
7) Think before posting on social media
Social media is a convenient and fun way to stay in touch with friends and family. But be careful what you post. Assess the personal and professional risks and take the following precautions.
- always follow your company's rules of business conduct
- ask friends and family to keep your personal information, including your relationships, confidential
- be careful when participating in games and surveys or clicking on links suggested
- review and update your social media privacy and security settings often
Find the best free antivirus to protect your computer from online threats
To do every day
If bad habits die hard, good habits can protect you from cyber threats. You are the first line of defense to protect yourself, your colleagues, and your devices from security risks. And as cybercriminals' methods and tactics become ever more sophisticated, it is more important than ever to develop and maintain good security habits.
Comments
Post a Comment