Cybersecurity is a known topic. In today’s world, where information and data run everything. Privacy, security, authorization, authentication most importantly safety is a concern. At present, everything happening in your surroundings is interconnected by the network system. Internet security is a very delicate system and one must understand that it is no longer a luxury but a necessity to learn the basics of cyber and digital security.
Security breaches make headlines every day. However, the real issue is much bigger. People, businesses, and nations can fall into deadly traps if left unchecked. With the increasing cyber threats, it is essential to take protective measures and safeguard your data from being stolen or used against your will. Here are some top cybersecurity tips for staying safe online:
1. PROTECT YOUR DATA WITH STRONG PASSWORD AND ENABLE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION
Hacking your password is the easiest way to hack your system and data. This is often caused due to the use of weak and commonly used passwords. Ensuring you have a strong and unknown password is one of the first steps of cybersecurity and personal awareness to keep yourself and your data safe. However, sometimes it’s still not enough. Professional hackers have much more knowledge and experience. To avoid this use 2FA for extra safety.
TIPS FOR CREATING A STRONG PASSWORD
• Keep a password that is at least 10-12 characters long and try avoiding personal information like birth dates or any special dates as your password. This reduces the risk of being hacked by someone who already knows you.
• Stop using common passcodes for instance “123456”, “0000” or “121212”
• Try mixing more uppercase and lowercase alphabets with numbers and special characters in between to make it more unique.
WHY 2FA?
• 2-factor authentication gives an extra layer of security above using just passwords. This makes it harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access.
• Reduces the chance of hackers to use a stolen password.
2. STAY CAUTIOUS WITH UNKNOWN LINKS. BROWSE SAFELY
All of us spend a hefty amount of time surfing online and most of us forget to check or keep track of what we search and dive into. Clicking on unknown links and websites is another chance for cybercrime. Attackers are always setting a trap to lure you in by sending unverified resources. This ignorance, at times, leads to safety hazards that we encounter online.
BROWSE SAFELY
• Try to stay up to date with your browser and software.
• Avoid diving into unknown links and emails; sometimes it is better not to explore more.
• verify your emails and re-check the sources.
3. USE VPN WHILE USING PUBLIC WI-FI.
Public Wi-Fi systems are insecure and uncertain. Hackers have access to places where they can try and hack into your system. The best possible way would be to use a VPN while you’re outside and using an unknown WI-FI. VPN’s are used to encrypt your data which makes it harder to breach your privacy. Try to secure your wifi network with WPA2 encryption and disable network discovery.
4. LOOKOUT FOR SOCIAL MEDIA PRECAUTIONS
Social media is not devoid of anyone today. The more we use the platform, the more concerns related to our safety increases. One must know effective precautions against any cyber attack.
WHAT ARE THE TIPS AGAINST SOCIAL MEDIA?
• Stay away from fake profiles and phishing scams
• A strong password might help secure your profile
• Do not over-share your information with someone you don’t know
• Monitor your account activity
5. NEVER SHARE PERSONAL DETAILS WITH ANYONE.
Trusting someone and giving your password and system access to someone are two different things. Both can not co-exist at the same time. Keep personal things confidential and to yourself. Stay safe!
English