In recognition of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, below are four security tips we should be implementing.

 

October is observed as Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As we all know, the security of our digital infrastructure has become increasingly, as it has become essential in virtually all aspects of our lives, However, it has become an unending battle to try to keep it safe and secure from those wishing to do harm.

Whilst to varying degrees, policy makers and network security experts are tasked with keeping one step ahead of cybercriminals, it is also incumbent on all of us to be vigilant when interfacing with technology – be it via our computer at the office, or when surfing online on our smartphone – in order to make prudent decisions. Below are are four (out of many!) suggestions that you can implement to improve your the safety of your online accounts and transactions.

1. Do not send personal or financial information via email.

Be wary of email solicitations for that require personal or financial information to be sent, or require you to click a web link, or open an attachment. Those attachments can have viruses or other threats that can be downloaded to your device. With respect to weblinks, they take you to websites containing malware (or other threats) that can again can infect your machine.

2.  Check the security of websites

When sending sensitive information online, check that security measures, such as https URLs, have been implemented. In light of the fact many of us frequently purchase goods and services online, we should also be mindful of how many sites have our personal, but especially our financial, information.

3.  Pay attention to website URLs

Not all websites are as they seem. Sometimes in entering a web address, mistakes are made, and you can end up on a fraudulent website. The same can happen if you click on a link in an unsolicited email or on questionable website. In some instances, the website you end up visiting is quite similar to a legitimate one, and have been established to deceive and steal your information. be careful!

4.  Activate two-factor authentication

Finally, although it can be bothersome to implement, many platforms are encouraging their users to activate two-factor authentication. When this facility is activated, in addition to entering a password, users must confirm their identity through a secondary means, such as by entering a specific passcode they have received via text messages.

Two-factor authentication is especially useful, as many of us use the same password for several accounts – although we know we should not. Also, frequently, our passwords tend not to be particularly long or difficult, as can be easy to crack. In having a two-stage process in place, it is indeed added security should our password security be compromised.

 

Image credits:  Pixabay 

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