We are living in the age of technology – an era where every online transaction, personal message, and device interaction is a potential threat waiting to happen. Cybersecurity is no longer a “nice-to-have” feature managed by your company’s IT department. It is a necessity that we all need as part of our personal digital security and protection.
Unfortunately, cyber threats are becoming more advanced and sophisticated each year, which means that your data is becoming a more likely target as well. The question is no longer IF you’ll be targeted but WHEN. So, let’s understand what cybersecurity is and how it can help us to keep our data safe.
What is cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is a term used to include the protection of all digital or online activities. It includes your identity, personal data, internet-connected devices, and networks which must be protected from unauthorized access, damage, or theft. For example, you may have a banking app on your mobile phone. The app may have a password and MFA to restrict others from accessing your account, and your phone could have biometrics enabled and regular security updates to protect your device. These measures form part of cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity includes several key areas:
- Network security: This covers all devices and appliances connected to the network, such as preventing unknown devices connecting to your Wi-Fi.
- Information security: This prevents the wrong people from accessing your data, such as someone getting hold of your credit card details.
- Application security: This focuses on securing the apps on your device, such as installing updates to fix a bug that could cause your account or device to be compromised.
- End-user education: This category encompasses all types of awareness training to help people recognize and prevent cyberattacks, such as social engineering attacks.
But why should we understand cybersecurity? Let’s discuss the importance in the next section.
Why it’s important for you to understand cybersecurity
Technology has been evolving at a rapid rate and it often seems difficult to keep up. While it’s easy to hand this task to someone else, it’s important that you understand cybersecurity and how it may impact you so that you can protect yourself as much as possible.
It is important to understand the various tactics hackers use and how to protect yourself against them and keep yourself safe. Let’s look at a few basic tips to help you stay safe online.
5 Basic Tips to Stay Safe Online
Whether you’re casually scrolling or running an online business, these 5 tips can help you stay safe online:
1. Use strong, unique passwords
Create passwords using a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers and special characters and avoid using the same password for different accounts.
2. Use multifactor authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by adding another authentication step in addition to your password. This could be as easy as a code sent to your phone to verify your logon request.
3. Update your software
Software updates usually include security patches to fix a known flaw in apps. Make sure to keep your software up to date to avoid any known cyber threats.
4. Do NOT click the link
Phishing scams are here to say and, unfortunately, becoming more sophisticated. Always verify the sender and don’t click links or download suspicious attachments from people you don’t know.
5. Use antivirus software
Antivirus software checks for suspicious activity or known cyber threats and blocks it on your device.
Don’t wait to protect yourself online
Start protecting yourself today because hackers won’t wait until you’re “ready”. Cybersecurity might seem overwhelming but we’re here to guide you on your online journey with regular tips to improve your cybersecurity awareness.
The most important point to remember is that cybersecurity affects all of us and we need to play our part. It’s not only about preventing attacks but also about protecting our privacy and finances.
Lastly, cybersecurity isn’t a once-off task, it needs to become a habit to protect yourself online. Don’t forget to share the information with your friends and family to help keep them safe online too.
