If you’re worried about hacking and malware, you should follow some basic cyber security tips. Install an ad-blocker, use two-factor authentication and avoid visiting phishing websites. Make backups of important documents and don’t store sensitive information on public networks. Use a VPN when possible to avoid exposure to phishing sites and malware. And make sure to back up your files regularly. Even if you think your data is safe, it’s still not 100% safe.
Installing an ad-blocker
If you have not already done so, consider installing an ad-blocker on your computer. While it might not seem like a major benefit, ad-blockers can actually improve your online experience and help you protect yourself from a specific attack vector. Cyber security threats have become far more sophisticated than they were a few years ago, which is why you should adopt a multi-layered defence strategy that includes ad-blocking software. By blocking ads and other forms of outbound data flow, you can ensure that no unauthorised information leaves your computer or laptop.
While it may seem counterintuitive to block ads and not see any content, some ad-blockers can contain malware. Malicious code embedded in these software programs can be used to steal sensitive information, including credit card numbers, financial data, and account logins. The malware in these programs can also be used to spam your computer with advertisements. Another potential problem with ad-blockers is that they may contain malware and alter cookies, which can compromise your system’s security.
Using two-factor authentication
Using two-factor authentication ( 2FA) to protect your account is important for a variety of reasons. These types of authentication improve the security of logins by limiting phishing, social engineering, and brute-force attacks. 2FA also helps secure sensitive data from hackers. Research shows that two-factor authentication can thwart nearly all automated bot-related attacks. In addition to passwords, two-factor authentication can also be used with biometrics or push-based authentication.
While two-factor authentication is a good solution to protect your accounts, it will require buy-in from the entire company. Often, this decision is made by a select group, including the CEO, IT team, or security team. To maximize its impact, you need to explain the benefits and risks of the solution. Remember, the CEO will have different priorities than the IT head. For this reason, a well-crafted communication plan will ensure the entire company has buy-in.
Avoiding phishing websites
In this article, we’ll discuss why avoiding phishing websites is crucial for your cyber security. In addition to keeping you safe online, avoiding phishing websites can also help you prevent a large number of other security threats. Many of these threats are caused by the use of malicious software. For example, malicious software can disguise as legitimate websites and trick you into giving out personal information or confidential documents. It can also compromise your system’s security.
Besides malicious websites, phishing emails can be sent from unknown senders. As a result, you should avoid opening attachments. Moreover, credible websites never ask for your password in an e-mail. In addition, read the URL from left to right to avoid scams. You can easily spot a fake site by its lack of an https. Make sure to check the IP address and the security certification of the site before giving out your personal information.
Creating backups of important documents
Backing up your data is one of the best ways to safeguard your data. If your computer crashes, you can restore your files from a previous backup. Backups should be created using encryption, to prevent unauthorized access. Encryption is also an essential part of data security because it helps you comply with data breach notification laws. You can find the instructions for creating backups in the Microsoft Help Center. To get started, follow these steps.
Create an automated system to create a backup of your important documents. This will ensure that no files are lost and that the backup process is automated. Make sure you backup both your data and the metadata that goes with it. Choose a location that’s separate from the original data source, such as a network drive or external disk. It’s important to back up documents to a different location because CDs and DVDs can break easily.
Using a trustworthy antivirus
The first step in ensuring your computer’s cyber security is to download a trustworthy antivirus. Not all antivirus programs are created equal, and some are less effective than others. It is important to use a variety of security tools, including data encryption, two-factor logins, automatic software updates, and smart privacy tools in your web browser. Additionally, you should be aware of the software you download, only from reputable sites, and be cautious when opening email attachments.
Some of the most popular antivirus software has excellent reviews, while others don’t. Windows Defender, for example, receives higher scores than the competition. Additionally, Windows Defender is free and enabled by default. Last year, only 17 percent of desktop PCs running Web browsers ran macOS. The lower number of users means that macOS is less lucrative for cyber criminals. Therefore, it is advisable to use Windows-based antivirus software.