31 Oct 10 steps for better cyber security
Security breached are costly and rarely a day goes without you seeing a headline about a new data breach. You might wonder how best to keep yourself safe online. One simple advice: reinforcing the basics. Follow these simple steps in the infographic “10 steps for better cyber security” and you’ll be well on your way to protect yourself against the cyber threats.
1. Look for sites that are secure. Try using sites you trust in preference to sites that you’ve never heard of to purchase goods (secure sites use https:// at the start of their address. The S stands for secure)
2. Be wary of any pop-up they could be genuine, but could equally be a compromised site. Use a blocker, or shut them down
3. Keep your system up to date. Run the patches, refresh the Anti-Virus and keep the Operating System (OS) updated
4. Type the URL or address yourself. Don’t just use links, the likelihood of hijacks reduces hugely if you search the site yourself through the address bar
5. Don’t download software from the web unless you are certain of the source, and have carefully evaluated the software, or file
6. Always log out of the site you’re using. Don’t just shut down logged in
7. Don’t store passwords in browsers, and use different passwords for each service you use
8. Change passwords often, it’s a pain but it is a great way to reduce your risk of being a victim of cybercrime
9. Avoid public or free Wi-Fi where possible, they are often compromised, so if you do use them, be sensible and secure
10. Set the highest security on your browser. You can always lower it on occasions that demand it but evaluate the scenario before doing so
Being aware of the types of cyber scams is also the best way to prevent being a victim. Test your knowledge in our 10-question Quiz “Are you the weakest link?” to see your ability to stay safe in today’s tech-driven world.
