CYBER SAFETY TIPS
Cyberspace connects us virtually with crores of online users across the globe. With increasing use of cyberspace, cybercrimes especially against women and children such as cyber stalking, cyber bullying, cyber harassment, child pornography, rape content, etc. are also increasing rapidly. To stay safe in the online world, it is important to follow some cyber safe practices which may help in making our online experience and productive:
1. Keep your software up to date
To stay safe from cyber threats like ransomware, it’s essential to regularly update your software, including your operating system and applications. Updates often contain crucial security patches that fix vulnerabilities exploited by hackers. Enable automatic updates for your device and web browser, and ensure plugins like Flash and Java are also kept up to date.
2. Use anti-virus protection & firewall
Protect your devices from malware and online attacks by using trusted anti-virus software and enabling firewalls. Anti-virus tools block malicious software from infecting your device, while firewalls screen incoming traffic to prevent unauthorized access. Ensure you only use one anti-virus tool and activate the built-in firewall on your operating system or router.
3. Use strong passwords & use a password management tool
Strengthen your online accounts by using strong, unique passwords and avoiding password reuse. Consider using a password management tool like LastPass to securely store and manage your passwords. Regularly update your passwords and avoid sharing them with others.
4. Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication
Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts with two-factor or multi-factor authentication. This requires you to provide additional verification, such as a code sent to your phone, along with your password. Enable this feature whenever possible to enhance account security.
5. Learn about phishing scams
Be cautious of phishing scams, where attackers impersonate legitimate entities to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from suspicious emails, and verify the sender’s identity before responding to any requests for personal information.
6. Protect your sensitive personal identifiable information (PII)
Safeguard your personal information, such as your name, address, and Social Security Number, from unauthorized access. Be selective about sharing PII online and review your social media privacy settings to control who can access your information.
7. Use your mobile devices securely
Secure your mobile devices by using strong passwords, downloading apps only from trusted sources, and keeping your device software updated. Avoid sending sensitive information over insecure channels and utilize device tracking features to protect against loss or theft.
8. Backup your data regularly
Protect your data from loss or ransomware attacks by regularly backing it up to secure locations. Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule, maintaining multiple copies of your data on different types of media and storing at least one copy off-site.
9. Don’t use public Wi-Fi without a VPN
When using public Wi-Fi networks, safeguard your data with a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your connection and prevent unauthorized access. Consider using a VPN extension like VPN Google Chrome for added security when browsing on public networks.
10. Review your online accounts & credit reports regularly for changes
Monitor your online accounts and credit reports for any suspicious activity or unauthorized changes. Consider freezing your credit to prevent identity theft and regularly review your accounts for signs of unauthorized access.