Life is precious. Regardless of who you are, your life is valuable. Relying on technology has made life more convenient, but it also exposes us to cyber threats due to the fact that our personal information is constantly flowing across the internet, and should be guarded diligently. This article provides essential basic steps towards guarding your digital life- The essence of Cybersecurity.
- Use of Strong Unique Passwords
As Neutrophils are your bodies’ first line of defense, so is your password in cybersecurity. Using a weak or guessable password is like leaving your front door open, so to secure your online accounts and details, create strong and unique passwords for each platform you use.
What is a Strong Password?
A strong password typically includes a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters. You have to avoid easily guessed words or personal information such as ‘birthdays’. You can make use of a notebook and/or a password manager to store them securely.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Why settle for just one form of security? Even strong passwords can be vulnerable to hackers, which is why two-factor authentication (2FA) is critical. It adds an extra layer of protection by requiring you to verify your identity using a second method, such as a text message code or an authentication app. Enable 2FA wherever possible, especially for important accounts like your email, banking, and social media.
- Beware of Phishing Scams
Phishing is the most common tactic hackers use to steal your personal information. You might receive a fake email or message that appears to be from a legitimate company, asking you to provide sensitive information or click on a malicious link. Always be cautious of unsolicited messages, check sender’s email address and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources.
- Update Your System Software
Outdated software is a major vulnerability that cybercriminals can exploit, because, hackers often target security flaws in older versions of software. Set your operating system, apps and antivirus software to update automatically, to meet up with important security patches. These updates close potential gaps in your system’s defenses and improve your overall security, hence guarding your digital life explicitly.
- Make Sure Your Network is Secure
Hackers can easily intercept data on unsecured networks, putting your information at risk. When using the convenient but risky Public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive accounts like banking and use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet connection for added security.
Cybersecurity is not complicated and it does not have to be. It is essential to take basic steps to protect yourself in the cyber-space and taking these precautions can significantly reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, keeping your personal information safe in an increasingly connected world.
