When it comes to staying safe on the internet, there are many issues you need to watch out for. Viruses, malicious links and files, and phishing attempts are some of the most common ways of compromising your security. So, whether you’re using a computer or a phone, check out these 10 essential rules for cybersecurity!
Apply automatic updates
Without up-to-date patching updates, no adequate protection can be achieved since malicious code infects mainly through unpatched vulnerabilities. Although Windows updates can sometimes cause problems (usually only for a very small percentage of users), this is negligible risk, and point 4 provides an immediate solution. Many anti-virus applications can warn you about missed Windows updates, as they close vulnerabilities, which is very useful to protect the user. Don’t forget the necessary reboots!
Remove bloatware that often comes with PCs from the factory.
Unwanted, pre-installed programs can slow down your system, waste your internet and device resources, collect and leak data, and sometimes start aggressively advertising the paid version after a time limit has been passed. There have also been cases of a pre-installed program containing a severe security hole. Overall, there is nothing to be said in their favor, but there are plenty of arguments for deleting or reinstalling a new, clean Windows, if possible.
Install reputable protection software and keep it up to date
Today, these state-of-the-art, complex protection applications are no longer anti-virus but rather Internet security applications, with various integrated modules – including Exploit Blocker, Botnet Protection, Network Attack Protection, Secure Banking, Webcam Protection, and of course, an Anti-Tampering module in the built-in protection toolbox.
Make sure you have regular backups.
This is a task that can be and should be automated. As well as regularly backing up your work, documents and important memories, it’s a good idea to use restore points on your operating system. The ransomware that has been with us since 2013 may have scared everyone enough to take data security seriously. However, data loss can occur due to physical failure or theft, so regular backups to external media are vital.
Set your browser to safe
Update this application regularly (which most already do automatically), and do the same for your security settings.
Always log out of web services and adequately save your passwords with your browser, as unauthorized people can gain access remotely by authentication. Use various secure add-ons such as AdBlocker, HTTPSEverywhere, NetCraft, or TrackMeNot. Profiling can be avoided by switching to the privacy-agnostic DuckDuckGo search engine.
Run the firewall, and don’t forget the router
Many of the routing devices in your home are not secure. The main reasons for this are poor password selection (often using the factory default password for the whole product line), vulnerabilities in the software running on the devices, and network services being accessible from external networks without proper protection. Choose strong, unique passwords for both the admin interface and wifi access, and update the associated firmware when a bug fix is issued.
Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
The haveibeenpwned.com database has nearly 11.9 billion stolen, leaked passwords. The black markets can have several times that number in circulation. Using strong, unique passwords could significantly improve the situation if only 2FA/MFA solutions were used.
These could be SMS, an authentication USB key device, a one-time password (OTP), or a dedicated authentication external application for your mobile device. They can significantly improve our access security for the minimal inconvenience, mainly if we use mobile solutions to access our accounts on other devices.
Be careful with unknown USB devices.
Always run a virus check on foreign USB keys and data storage devices before accessing files. Found devices should be no exception. In this respect, all kinds of external devices can be suspect, from a camera to a public machine for photo editing in a shop.
Use a password manager.
Nowadays, using strong, unique, and regularly changed passwords for your most important logins is essential. But remembering many passwords is difficult, so for many people, a post-it, a piece of paper, or a text file stores the few they change. A better solution is a password management program, which makes it even more convenient to integrate the web into browsers.
Some security solutions come with an application in the box, which can generate, protect and store passwords and even automatically fill in the appropriate fields on websites to log in. Standalone applications can also be used, such as KeePass or the multiplatform Bitwarden.
Download applications/files only from trusted sources!
Dubious installations are a common risk on all platforms, whether Windows, Mac, Linux, or Android. In May last year, the Android FluBot virus, which misused the name of the FedEx parcel delivery service, took off, with many people clicking on an extraordinary link in an SMS without suspicion and then installing an unknown application, giving it all the permissions without thinking.
Yet security-conscious application selection and installation remain a cornerstone of protection, prevention, and a safe environment.
Conclusion
When it comes to staying safe on the internet, there are many issues you need to watch out for. Viruses, malicious links and files, and phishing attempts are some of the most common ways of compromising your security. So, whether you’re using a computer or a phone, check out these 10 basic rules for cybersecurity! Following these simple tips can help keep yourself safe from potential attacks and enjoy peace of mind while browsing the web.