In our previous post, we covered what cyber security is and why it is important. Also, we gave you some tips to increase cyber security and reduce risk of cyber crime as a company. In this post, we will try to answer the next question:
What can you do to improve your cyber security if you are an individual user?
There are many useful cyber security methods that you can practice both at home and at work. Here you have seven of them:
- Use a good password manager.
Encripto recommends that you use unique and strong passwords, and that you handle them with a good password manager. Password managers are applications or online services that auto-generate and store strong passwords on your behalf. These credentials are kept in an encrypted, centralized location, which you can access with a master key. Would you like to know more about strong passwords? We recommend that you read our post World Password Day for more information.
- Install an antivirus software.
Antivirus has two essential functions: scanning computer files for finding malicious software, and monitoring the device for any unusual activity. You can protect your computer with both commercial software or free versions. We recommend that you install an antivirus in computers, smartphones and tablets.
- Avoid opening suspicious emails and SMS.
If you do not recognize the email address or telephone number of the sender, do not open it up and delete it as soon as possible. Many of these are the opening gambit in a phishing scam or identity theft attempt.
- Use TLS-enabled connections.
Transport Layer Security (TLS) is a family of cryptographic protocols that provide secure connections over a network. Typically, TLS can be used over the web (HTTPS).
Make sure you always use HTTPS whenever you handle sensitive information, such as when doing online banking, visiting online stores, transmitting personal or work-related information, etc.
- Do not lose track of mobile devices.
Do not leave your mobile devices unattended in public and lock them with strong passwords, or biometric information (e.g. fingerprints). One of the easiest and most successful ways for hackers to compromise your information, is to just physically grab your laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
- Practice good Bluetooth and GPS usage.
Since hackers can penetrate your system or affect your privacy with these technologies, we recommend that you turn them off when you do not need them.
- Increase your security awareness.
Take courses related to cyber security. Everything you do as a user can have consequences for the company’s information security, so the more you know about cyber security, the safer you and your company will be.
If you liked this topic, we recommend that you read our post Why is Cyber Security Important? – Part 1.