Overlooking the safety of our digital spaces is like heading out of town and leaving the front doors unlocked. It leaves individuals and organizations vulnerable to costly disasters that compromise confidential information and disrupt critical infrastructure. As cybercrimes continue to grow and evolve, they’re predicted to cost a staggering $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.
Cybersecurity refers to any effort made to protect “computers, servers, mobile devices, electronic systems, networks, and data from digital attacks, theft, and damage.” It includes any measure to prevent unauthorized access and to identify and respond to security threats.
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. In recognition, we’re outlining the ways to secure your digital presence in 2023.
Strong Passwords and Multi-Factor Authorization (MFA):
The first and easiest step in cyber security is to prevent access in the first place. Craft strong, difficult-to-guess passwords or phrases that blend upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Test a password’s strength with tools like howsecureismypassword.net. Further safeguard by using Multi-Factor Authenications (MFA) that rely on your unique fingerprint or one-time codes. The extra step is worth the peace of mind.
Software Updates, Security Software, and Backups:
Because hackers will often exploit vulnerabilities in software to gain unauthorized access, it’s crucial to routinely update operating systems and applications. Updates will generally fix known flaws and often include enhanced security features.
Additionally, installing reputable antivirus software (and keeping it up to date) can help detect, prevent, and remove malware and viruses. Popular services include McAfee, Norton, and Avast, but there are many others. Most offer free services, but individuals and organizations in need of heightened security might consider the more robust paid versions.
It’s also important to occasionally back up important data to external drives and cloud storage — especially ahead of software updates — to mitigate the potential impact of future cyberattacks and accidents.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth Management
Open networks and Bluetooth pose significant risk for households and organizations. Any Wi-Fi enabled device within close range can gain access. It’s important to change the default passwords in favor of something stronger, and then change it often. One can also enable encryption through Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA3), which makes data unreadable to anyone except authorized recipients. Turn off Bluetooth when not in use and avoid using public Wi-Fi, especially when performing sensitive tasks.
Verified Sources and Secured Sites
In matters of cybersecurity, it’s always best to err on the side of caution. Be suspicious of scams and phishing attempts, especially unsolicited emails or links asking for sensitive data. Malicious links can even come from friends whose emails have been compromised, so be careful. Never open or respond to an email without verifying the sender, and before clicking on a link, perform a hover check to show its true destination. Secured websites will typically include “HTTPS” in their URL or feature a lock icon in the browser’s location field. Never send personal information through unverified channels that lack security.
Encrypt
Encrypted files will be unreadable only to those with the encryption key. This is especially important for sensitive exchanges. Use reputable encrypting solutions to share data such as DropBox, Resilio, and SpiderOak.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) encrypt or mask the users’ IP addresses regardless of whether they’re logged on at home, remotely, or on a public wi-fi connection. They provide users with anonymity and make it more difficult for hackers to steal sensitive information. Some well rated VPNs include NordVPN, Surfshark, and Express VPN.
Internet of Things (IoT)
The Internet of Things (IoT) are physical objects that connect to and exchange data over the internet. Due to home automation, smart devices are prevalent in homes. The supply of smart homes is estimated to reach 1.8 billion by 2025. Such devices are also in vehicles and even in medical devices. While the IoT has improved and streamlined many household tasks, it has also increased the opportunities for hackers to eavesdrop and access private information.
Securing IoT is difficult, but a good approach is to follow much of the advice listed above. Change the default settings, use secure passwords, and change them often. You might also create guest networks to further thwart hackers from gaining access.
Make Cybersecurity a Team Effort
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility and staying informed about the latest threats and best practices is essential. Educate yourself, your family (children included), and colleagues about current cyber threats and safe online behavior.
Larger organizations might also consider hiring a qualified supplier to perform security audits (hacking with permission) to find areas of vulnerability.
Cybersecurity is a constantly evolving and prevalent threat to both personal and institutional security. While this is not a comprehensive list, following the guidance outlined above can protect private information and reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks. The digital world offers boundless opportunities, but ensuring its safety requires a commitment to cybersecurity.