Staying Cyber Safe, Top 10 Tips for Being Cyber Secure

The importance of Cyber Security

What is Cyber Security – Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, servers, electronic systems, mobile devices, networks and data from potential malicious attacks. A security system as such for your online world. Cybersecurity should remain a top priority for businesses as the prevalence of cyber threats continue to escalate. To safeguard against these threats, it is imperative that organisations focus on developing and implementing comprehensive cybersecurity strategies, as these measures will help protect the integrity of data and defend against external threats that can ultimately compromise your business systems.

Read on to see our Top 10 Cyber tips and how they can help you stay Cyber safe in 2024.

1. Use a secure internet connection

Be cautious when using public WI-FI as you may be connecting to a network that could divulge sensitive information that is saved by chance whilst using this process. A secure network will have measures implemented to protect your confidentiality and ensure that unauthorised access, data breaches and malicious activities are prevented or minimized.

2. Use Strong Passwords

Ensure you use passwords that have multiple characters such as symbols, numbers, and capital letters. For instance, a 20-character password with a mix of the above would be difficult to crack! Most importantly ensure that you use a separate password for each device you log into and where you can enable multi-factor authentication. You could consider using a password generator if you find it difficult to come up with numerous passwords for multiple devices.

3. Enable multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication is a method used to enhance your security. It requires 2 or more pieces of evidence to prove your identity. It can include something you know: your password, something you have: authenticator app, SMS or email or something you are: Fingerprint, facial recognition.  There are apps on the market such as Microsoft Authenticator that will generate a unique 6-digit code that you enter alongside your credentials and is an important part of making it harder for Cyber-criminals to gain initial access to your account. Adding these extra layers requires extra time, resources, and effort to get through which can act as a deterrent.

4. Update device software regularly

By running regular updates, it will ensure you are using the most up to date and improved version of the software you have installed on your computer and mobile devices. Software updates help to protect your devices by fixing software bugs. Cybercriminals are more commonly using these bugs to access your device and potentially steal your personal data and financial information.

It is useful to automatically set up these updates, that way you can “set and forget” and updates will occur as soon as they become available. Simply do this by turning on and confirming automatic updates. It is important to note that for these updates to occur, your device will need to be powered on, plugged into power, and have unused storage space.

5. Back up your devices regularly

Performing a backup provides a digital copy of your information, including things like photos, financial information or records that have been saved to the cloud or an external device. It is recommended that backups are completed weekly or monthly depending on how often you load new files onto your device or make changes to any files. Backing up your information is a precautionary measure so that it can be recovered if it is ever lost, stolen or damaged.

6. Use Firewalls and Anti-Virus programs

There are a multitude of ways hackers can try to access and attack your systems and network through methods such as malware, viruses, phishing attempts, spyware and more. By installing anti-virus software and firewalls your system can defend itself against such attacks. It is important to note that when using a firewall or anti-virus software it is being updated regularly.

7. Beware of suspicious links and phishing emails

It is important to recognise the signs of a phishing attempt. These often appear in the way of unsolicited messages and or emails with suspicious looking links and attachments. The purpose of a phishing email is for a cybercriminal to attempt to obtain personal information. Quite often these emails will have grammar and spelling errors and carry a sense of urgency. If you receive an email with any one of these red flags, avoid replying or clicking on any links/attachments and report it immediately to your IT department or email provider.

8. Educate Employees about Cybersecurity

Businesses need to ensure they educate employees on the importance of helping to maintain online security within their company. Businesses should look to conduct regular training and awareness programs to educate employees on safe online practices, how to recognise phishing attempts, avoid suspicious attachments, links and downloads and adopt secure methods when sharing sensitive information. These should also be highlighted within a company’s policies and procedures.

9. Think before you click

Be wary when accessing new websites as some can be infected with drive-by download attacks that can compromise your system’s data. Ensure you don’t click on any links to websites that are unfamiliar and stick to well-known ones you are already familiar with.

10. Avoid useless downloads

Downloads are one of the top ways in which hackers gain access to your networks and systems. Where possible, limit your downloads and avoid downloading any unnecessary software and browser extensions. Authorisation should be sought from an employee before downloading any software using the internet.

Conclusion

Protecting yourself and your business from Cyber-attacks involves effective strategies. If you would like to gain further insights, please do not hesitate to reach out to one of our experts who will be only too happy to assist you on your journey towards enhanced protection.