As we see an increase in the number of devices and platforms connected to each other, as well as with the increasing amount of services being offered to individuals and companies using those same devices/platforms/services; there are also a variety of evolving threats that pose risks to individuals and companies alike as they increasingly depend on their digital systems for communication, financial transactions and data storage.
The increased reliance by both individuals and companies on digital systems increases their exposure to cyber attacks (including hacking, viruses), identity theft (theft of personal identifiable information) and data breaches (unauthorized disclosure of company/individual sensitive information).
To protect against online threats, users need to implement two types of protection:
Technical Safeguards: These would include a variety of controls such as firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems, anti-virus programs, etc.
Behavioral Discipline: This includes user behavior that prevents unauthorized access to digital systems, including use of strong passwords, proper password management, avoiding suspicious emails and attachments, etc.
When combined, these two forms of protection will provide optimal levels of security, however, to truly protect themselves against cyber threats users need to make security habits a part of their daily routines, and not just react to them when needed.
1. Use Strong Passwords And Multi-Factor Authentication Across All Devices And Applications
Authentication continues to be one of the primary methods for hackers to gain unauthorized access to computer systems and applications.
The use of strong, unique passwords and multi-factor authentication helps to minimize the potential for unauthorized access to accounts and applications.
Password requirements such as length, complexity and uniqueness, help to prevent hackers from guessing a user’s password.
In addition, requiring a second form of verification prior to accessing an account, such as a code sent via SMS or a fingerprint scan, provides an additional level of security to prevent unauthorized access.
By implementing consistent access control measures across all accounts and devices, users can greatly reduce the number of preventable vulnerabilities.
2. Stay Current With System And Application Updates
Cybercriminals continuously look for vulnerabilities in outdated software and operating systems that have been left unpatched by vendors and/or users.
By installing updates regularly, you can ensure that your system is protected from known security gaps and weaknesses.
Automating system and application updates also minimizes the likelihood of human error when it comes to installing updates.
In addition, by keeping systems up-to-date, users can rest assured that their digital defenses are strengthened.
3. Recognize Phishing And Social Engineering Scams
While many cyber-related incidents involve technical exploits, a large number of incidents involve social engineering scams where users are tricked into providing sensitive information through phishing emails, spoofed websites, and/or by responding to urgent requests to perform certain actions.
In order to recognize and defend against social engineering scams, users need to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited email messages requesting them to perform certain actions, or click on unfamiliar links, especially if they appear to be urgent.
Users also need to verify any requests for information independently to ensure the request is legitimate and not malicious.
Awareness of social engineering scams and the tactics used by cybercriminals is one of the best ways to protect oneself from falling victim to a cybercrime.
4. Develop A Data Backup And Recovery Plan
Losing data due to a ransomware attack, hardware failure, or accidental deletion of files can cause significant disruptions to businesses and put individuals at risk of losing important personal documents and photos.
However, having a regular data backup plan in place can greatly minimize downtime and disruption to a business.
Offsite data backups, in particular, provide a higher level of assurance that a business can recover quickly and efficiently after experiencing a disaster, whether man-made or natural.
Having prepared recovery plans in place can further enhance a business’s ability to recover quickly from a disaster.
Conclusion
Protecting yourself against online threats involves several key steps. First and foremost, it is essential to authenticate securely using strong passwords and multi-factor authentication. Second, it is imperative to stay current with system and application updates. Third, it is necessary to be aware of social engineering tactics and not fall prey to phishing and other attempts to manipulate you into divulging sensitive information. Finally, developing a data backup and recovery plan can help protect against data loss resulting from a wide range of disasters.
