Photo : Messenger
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an important reminder to think about how we can better protect ourselves online. As we spend more time connected to the internet, whether through our phones, laptops, or smart devices, keeping our personal information safe has never been more crucial. The good news is that cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, some of the most effective ways to protect yourself are also the easiest.
Use strong, unique passwords
Passwords are your first line of defense when it comes to protecting your online accounts. Unfortunately, many people still use common passwords like “123456” or “password,” which hackers can easily guess. Using the same password across multiple websites is also risky—if one account gets hacked, all your other accounts become vulnerable.
To create a strong password, use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using personal information, such as your name or birthdate, and aim for a password that’s at least 12 characters long. If you’re worried about remembering them, password managers can generate and store strong passwords for you. This way, you only need to remember one master password.
Quick Tip: Change your passwords regularly, especially for important accounts like email, banking, and social media.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Even with a strong password, your account may still be vulnerable. That’s why enabling Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a smart move. With 2FA, you’ll need to provide a second piece of information (like a code sent to your phone or generated by an app) in addition to your password. This extra layer of security can prevent hackers from accessing your account, even if they know your password.
Many services like Gmail, Facebook, and Twitter offer 2FA, and setting it up takes just a few minutes.
Quick Tip: Use an authenticator app like Google Authenticator or Authy instead of relying on SMS-based 2FA, which can be more vulnerable to attacks.
Keep Your Software Updated
Keeping your software up to date is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself online. Software updates often include security fixes that patch vulnerabilities hackers could exploit. This applies to your phone, computer, browser, and even apps.
Most devices let you enable automatic updates, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on important security patches. If you prefer to update manually, make it a habit to check for updates once a week.
Quick Tip: Enable automatic updates for your operating systems, browsers, and security software.
Watch out for phishing scams
Phishing scams are one of the most common ways cybercriminals try to steal personal information. These scams often come as fake emails, texts, or phone calls that look like they’re from a legitimate source. They’ll ask you to click a link, enter sensitive information, or download an attachment.
To avoid phishing attacks, always verify the sender before clicking any links or downloading files. If something seems off—like poor grammar, mismatched URLs, or urgent requests for personal details—it’s best to be cautious.
Quick Tip: When in doubt, visit the company’s website directly instead of clicking on a link in an email.
Secure your devices
Beyond securing your accounts, it’s just as important to secure the devices you use. Start by setting a strong password, PIN, or using biometric authentication (like fingerprint or face recognition) on your phone, tablet, or computer. If your device is lost or stolen, this simple step can keep your data safe.
Installing antivirus software is also a must. It will help detect and block malware that could compromise your devices. Additionally, back up your data regularly to a secure cloud service or an external hard drive. This way, even if your device is infected, you won’t lose your important files.
Quick Tip: Review your device’s security settings regularly to make sure you’re using the strongest options, such as encryption.
Be cautious with public Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can also be risky. Cybercriminals can use unsecured networks to intercept your data, including passwords and credit card information. If you must use public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive accounts like online banking or entering personal information.
To protect yourself, consider using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for hackers to steal your data.
Quick Tip: Always use a VPN when using public Wi-Fi to protect your personal information.
Backup your data regularly
Backing up your data is a simple but crucial step in protecting yourself from cyber threats like ransomware or hardware failures. Regular backups ensure that even if something happens to your device, your important files—like photos and documents—are safe.
Cloud storage services like Google Drive, iCloud, and Dropbox make backing up easy, and many allow you to set up automatic backups. External hard drives are another good option for storing backups.
Quick Tip: Make sure your backups are encrypted, especially if you use cloud storage.
Stay informed
Cybersecurity is always evolving, with new threats emerging all the time. Staying up to date on the latest risks can help you protect yourself better. You don’t need to be a tech expert, but following reliable tech websites or cybersecurity blogs can help you stay informed.
Quick Tip: Follow cybersecurity experts or subscribe to newsletters to keep yourself updated on new threats and how to defend against them.
Small steps, big impact
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Simple steps like using strong passwords, enabling 2FA, keeping your software updated, and being aware of phishing scams can go a long way in keeping you safe online. By incorporating these habits into your daily routine, you’ll not only protect yourself but also contribute to a safer digital world.
"Cybersecurity is much more than just an IT issue. It's a global concern that impacts everyone." Cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, take a moment to put these easy practices into action and ensure that your online life is as secure as possible.
The writer is an Experienced CISO and Cyber Digital Transformation Strategist. He can be reached at [email protected].
Messenger/Disha
