Protecting your personal and professional data is more important than ever. Cybersecurity threats can lead to significant financial losses, making it essential to adopt effective strategies. This article presents ten actionable tips that not only enhance your online security but also help you avoid losing money on potential scams and breaches. By implementing these best practices, you can safeguard your information while ensuring a more secure and profitable digital experience.
Jump to...
Manage your passwords with care
Use a different password for each access (e-mail, online banking, social networking accounts, etc.): if one of your accounts is compromised, this will prevent a snowball effect.
- Create a password that’s long enough, complex enough and unexpected enough: at least 8 characters long, containing upper and lower case letters, numbers and special characters.
- Never give your password to a third party: no organization or trusted person will ask you to give them your password.
Use a password manager: it’s not easy to remember all your login codes! Fortunately, there are password vaults. These store all your passwords and allow you to generate new ones at random.
Back up your data regularly
Regularly backing up your personal and business data on secure media protects you in the event of breakdown, loss, theft, destruction of your hardware or computer attack. Depending on your needs, there are several backup solutions to choose from.
Case 1: Backing up a small volume of data
- If you need to store a limited volume of data, a USB key or even a recordable DVD may suffice.
- You can also opt for a cloud storage service. There are both free and paid solutions, depending on the storage capacity required.
Case 2: Backing up large volumes of data
- For larger-scale backups, an external hard drive is the best option.
- Depending on your needs and possibilities, you may also consider network storage.
- Encrypt the contents of your storage devices to prevent them from being attacked.
Carry out regular updates
An out-of-date device or software becomes vulnerable and more exposed to computer risks. The following tips can significantly reduce this risk.
- Identify all your devices and software.
- When you are offered an update, carry it out immediately.
- Download updates only from official publisher websites.
- On your devices, activate the automatic update download and installation option when available.
Protect yourself from viruses and other malware
On the Internet, malware (viruses, worms, Trojans, spyware, etc.) represents a real risk. To protect yourself from these intrusions, the following tools are invaluable allies.
- An antivirus program whose recommendations you follow every time it asks you to update the virus database or delete or quarantine a suspicious file.
- A well-configured firewall to block unwanted connections from your computer.
The effectiveness of these tools will only be complete when combined with a few good practices. Never use an unknown or abandoned service or equipment (a USB key, for example).
- Assign a specific use to each USB key to reduce the effects of possible contamination.
- Encrypt the contents of your storage devices to prevent them from being hacked.
Avoid public or unknown Wi-Fi networks
While they can be very useful, free public Wi-Fi networks are a godsend for attackers. Very easy to access, these networks can be controlled to intercept your personal information.
- Disable wireless connections (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, etc.) when you’re not using them, to prevent your devices from connecting to them automatically.
- Whenever possible, use the private connection associated with your mobile subscription. And don’t forget to password-protect your shared connections: this will prevent anyone from gaining direct access to your shared data!
- If you have no choice but to use public Wi-Fi, make sure you never carry out sensitive operations (credit card payments, tax returns, confidential information, etc.), and if possible, use a virtual private network (VPN).
Avoid dubious sites and download from safe sources
In general, avoid dubious or illicit sites. Some are likely to host counterfeit products and may contain viruses. Don’t use unofficial platforms, and don’t download files from illegal download sites: many files are infected and can spread to your equipment.
To download new applications to your computer, tablet or smartphone, use the official stores or the application’s own website.
Protect your e-mail
Phishing is a fraudulent technique that involves impersonating a well-known organization (bank, operator, etc.) or someone close to you, in order to obtain information. There are a few simple rules to avoid this.
- Never click on a link or attachment that looks suspicious. If you are suspicious, move your mouse over the link to see the address it leads to, and assess its legitimacy.
- Never reply to suspicious e-mails. If in doubt, contact the sender via another channel.
- Check the security settings on your e-mail account.
- If your e-mail provider allows it, activate double authentication to secure your access.
Keep your professional and personal uses separate
With the advent of the Internet and the evolution of usage, the boundary between professional and personal life is becoming increasingly porous. To optimize the security of your digital use in these different environments, follow these best practices;
- Avoid using your personal resources (e-mail address, cell phone, USB key, etc.) for professional purposes, and vice versa.
- Do not connect personal equipment, or equipment not supplied by your IT department, to your entity’s network or to professional equipment (personal cell phone, USB key or donated electronic gadget, etc.).
- Conversely, only connect your business equipment to your personal network under the conditions laid down by your IT department.
- Do not use your professional e-mail address to register on personal websites, and vice versa.
Grant the right level of privileges
Particularly in the workplace, several people may have access to the same workstation, with more or less restricted access depending on their needs.
When it comes to adding users to a device or service, and therefore choosing the level of permission to grant them, always apply the minimum privilege rule: make sure that each user has only the permissions he or she needs. By default, all users of a workstation or server should have a limited level of access to the operating system and information. After that, it’s up to you to personalize each user’s rights and possibilities as much as possible.
This simple principle limits the damaging consequences in the event of an attack, and considerably increases your digital security.
Control the information you post on the Internet
Everyone should feel responsible for what they put on the Internet. Never give out sensitive information on sites that do not seem sufficiently protected, especially when the words “Not secure” appear to the left of the website address.
Make sure you know who you are communicating with on the Internet. If you have any doubts about a person’s identity, contact them by other means before taking any action or responding to any request.request.
Conclusion on the Need to Implement Cybersecurity Safe Practices
Prioritizing cybersecurity protection is not just about protection; it’s also about avoiding scams and losing money. Each of the ten tips discussed provides practical steps to enhance your security posture while minimizing the risk of costly breaches. By adopting these strategies, you not only protect your valuable data but also save money in a way. Embrace these cybersecurity practices today and enjoy a safer, more financially secure online presence.