Securing your online presence is one of the many keys to a safe environment on the internet today. Now let's look at best practices in a step-by-step guide on how to secure your information and maximize cybersecurity.
1. Use strong, unique passwords
- Create strong passwords: Using special characters, numbers, and mixing both your alphabets. Do not use easily guessed ones, such as "password123" or "123456."
- Unique Password for Unique Accounts: Each account must have a different one.
- Password Manager: A high security password manager, which can auto-generate powerful passwords and also store them.
2. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
- What is 2FA: That is an added layer of security. It may involve a different verification method like a second password, voice, or retinal recognition, or even a text message verifying the identity to authenticate the user besides the password.
- Enable 2FA: It must be enabled wherever it is available in email, social media and financial services among others.
3. Update the Software
- Update the standards Continuously, update your Operating Systems, Browsers, antivirus software, etc. Using latest security patches.
- Enabled automatic updates wherever possible: Automatic updates may be enabled wherever possible so that you always have your software updated.
4. Emails and links
- Do not open emails and links which are coming from unknown sources because they could be phishing emails targeting you to draw your credentials.
- Spear Phishing Scam: It uses spear phishing where it asks for some piece of information or even looks up shady link in a message or email. Validate the identity of the sender before opening up any document or even clicking on a link.
- Verify Sources: Verify both the sender and the URL before you share any of that information
5. Secured Connections
- HTTPS: Only share sensitive information on sites known to be so, as they normally feature a lock in the address bar.
- Avoid doing sensitive transactions over Public Wi-Fi: Access via VPN, Virtual Private Network, when accessing public networks.
6. Sensitive Devices
- Malware and antivirus software: download the reputable sources of malware and antivirus software and update your computer.
- Firewalls: Enable and configure firewalls on your computers to deny unauthorized access
- Screen Locks: Always enable a strong password or biometric authentication like fingerprint unlock or face unlock for the devices.
7. Data Backup
- Scheduled Backups: Schedule regular data backup for your key data in an external drive or in the cloud service.
- Test Restorations: You must test backups to ensure you can recover your information in case the original is lost.
8. Digital Identity
- Privacy Settings: Scan and update privacy on social media sites and other online services so you know who should see your info.
- Track Permissions: Just take a few minutes to review permissions of the apps installed on your devices regularly. Delete apps you no longer use or appear suspicious.
9. Watch out for Social Engineering
10. Surfing with Caution
- Do not go to shady websites; those that have a fishy look or even a website that has pirated material.
- Use ad blockers: block those annoying pop-ups and ads.
11. Accounts Security
- Account recovery options: keep the account recovery options updated and safe; these can be either an email address or a number.
- Monitor accounts activity: you should frequently scan accounts for any suspicious activity or unauthorized access.
- Outside this list, besides it; there are particular mandatory elements to include in the lists. These include:
12. Learn and Educate Yourself and Others
- Stay Up-to-date: Be informed of cyber attacks or best practices.
- Share: Tell your family and friends how they should stay safe on the internet.
These would all only improve your security and safety on the internet, reduce the chance of cyber attack possibilities down to the barest minimum.
