Cyber Hygiene 101: Staying Safe on the Internet

Keeping your internet safety in check on Safer Internet Day

In an increasingly interconnected world, ensuring our safety on the internet is more critical than ever. 

Enter: Internet Safety Day, a day dedicated to educating on the importance of cyber hygiene with a focus on internet safety. Really, it’s a day dedicated to educating kids on staying safe online but hey, we didn’t want to make the adults feel excluded. And let's face it, a quick cyber security lesson won't hurt any of us - but ignoring it almost certainly will.

Cyber hygiene serves as the foundation for protecting ourselves and our data from evolving cyber threats. But like most topics within cybersecurity, it’s a bit of a minefield and we could sit and list off all the factors that come into the practice of cyber hygiene until the cows come home, so we’ll give you just five for a start. 

So, buckle up and get ready to dive into the basics of Cyber Hygiene 101, because when it comes to internet safety, knowledge truly is power. 

Strong Passwords:

Let’s kick things off with a classic - strong passwords. You’ve probably heard it a million times, but it’s worth repeating: your password should be like your toothbrush; strong, and you should never share it with anyone. Opt for a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to create a password that’s tough to crack. And please, resist the urge to use "123456" or "password" - cyber criminals aren’t fooled by your lack of creativity. 

Keep Software Updated:

We get it, those notifications for software updates can be annoying, but trust us, they’re worth it. Software updates often contain patches for security vulnerabilities, so by keeping your devices and programs up to date, you’re essentially closing the door on potential cyber threats. Plus, it’s a small price to pay for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your digital fortress is protected against intruders. 

Beware of Phishing:

Ah, phishing - the age-old tactic used by cyber criminals to lure unsuspecting victims into disclosing sensitive information. Whether it’s through a dodgy email, text message, or website, phishing attempts are everywhere, and they’re becoming increasingly sophisticated. So, before you click that link or enter your login credentials, take a moment to pause and ask yourself: does this seem legit? When in doubt, trust your instincts and err on the side of caution. But if you need some extra help in the phishing department, we offer top-of-the-market security awareness training. Get in touch with us to find out more.

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

Adding an extra layer of security to your online accounts is as simple as enabling MFA. This nifty feature requires you to provide two forms of verification before granting access to your account. It may seem like a hassle at first, but trust us, the peace of mind that comes with knowing your accounts are protected is well worth the minor inconvenience. 

Practice Safe Surfing:

Last but not least, let’s talk about safe surfing. When browsing the web, stick to reputable websites and avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-up ads. Additionally, consider using a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your online privacy. Remember, just like in the real world, exercising caution and common sense online can go a long way in keeping you safe from harm. 

So there you have it, folks - Cyber Hygiene 101 in a nutshell. By following these simple tips and tricks, you can help ensure your safety and security in the vast landscape of the internet.