Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. Individuals and businesses need to follow cybersecurity best practices to protect their digital assets.
Here are some of the fundamental cybersecurity best practices:
Keep software and systems updated: Regularly update your computer's operating system, such as Windows or macOS, and software applications like Adobe Suite and Microsoft Office. This ensures that you have the latest security patches and bug fixes. For example, if you have a Windows computer, you can check for updates by going to Start > Settings > Windows Update.
Use strong, unique passwords. Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable passwords like "123456" or "password." For example, a strong password could be "P@$$w0rdD3f3nder!"
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA). MFA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password. You can enable MFA for your Gmail account by going to Settings > Security > Advanced > 2-Step Verification.
Educate yourself and your employees about cybersecurity risks. Learn about the latest cybersecurity threats and how to protect yourself from them. Conduct regular cybersecurity training sessions for your employees. You can find resources on cybersecurity best practices from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): https://www.cisa.gov/.
Back up your data regularly. This will help you recover your data in case of a cyberattack. You can use a cloud storage service like Dropbox or Google Drive to back up your files.
Use a firewall and antivirus software. A firewall can help protect your computer from unauthorized access, while antivirus software can help protect your computer from malware. You can install the Windows Defender firewall and antivirus software on your computer.
Be careful what you click on. Phishing emails are a common way for cybercriminals to steal your personal information. If you receive an email from someone you don't know, or if the email looks suspicious, don't click on any links or open any attachments. For example, if you receive an email from someone claiming to be from your bank, don't click on any links in the email. Instead, go directly to your bank's website to check if the email is legitimate.
Be aware of the risks of public Wi-Fi. Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure, so avoid using them for sensitive activities like online banking or shopping. If you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure to use a VPN to encrypt your traffic. For example, you can use the free VPN service ProtonVPN to encrypt your traffic when using public Wi-Fi.
Be skeptical of offers that seem too good to be true. If you receive an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don't give out your personal information or click on any links in these emails. If you receive an email from someone claiming to be from a lottery company and they say you've won a prize, don't believe them. These emails are often scams.
By following these best practices, you can help protect yourself and your organization from cyberattacks.
I hope this helps!