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Cyber hygiene key for public safety

07.08.2023
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Cyber hygiene, a term often associated with personal hygiene, is a crucial aspect of staying safe online. Similar to how you maintain good personal hygiene, cyber hygiene involves adopting smart practices to safeguard your digital life and resist cyber threats. While some people may overlook cyber security, it's essential to take it seriously in this ever-evolving digital landscape. Establishing robust cyber hygiene practices is as crucial as routine personal care.

To ensure good cyber hygiene, consider the following tips:

  • Use the right cybersecurity tools: just as you need the right products for personal hygiene, you must use reputable cybersecurity tools to protect your devices. Install trusted antivirus and malware software, use a network firewall and hide expert VPN, and enable password protection to safeguard your personal information from potential threats.
  • Be thorough and accurate: don't overlook the finer details of cyber hygiene. When deleting files, ensure they are permanently wiped from your device using data-wiping software. Create complex, unique passwords for each account, and change them regularly to enhance security.
  • Make cyber hygiene routine: develop a routine for monitoring your cyber security regularly. Set reminders to perform essential tasks such as scanning for viruses, updating operating systems, checking for security patches, and changing passwords. Consistent practice will make cyber hygiene second nature.

Key Steps for Good Cyber Hygiene:

  • Install reputable antivirus and malware software: antivirus software is vital in detecting and eradicating computer viruses and malware. - - ------ Schedule regular automatic scans to maintain protection.
  • Use network firewalls and hide expert VPN: network firewalls act as a first line of defence against unauthorised access to your devices and information while hide VPN provides a safe tunnel for your data passage.
  • Update software regularly: keep your apps, web browsers, and operating systems up-to-date to eliminate vulnerabilities and security flaws.
  • Set strong passwords: use complex passwords containing a mix of at least 12 characters, numbers, symbols, and both uppercase and lowercase letters. Avoid reusing passwords or sharing them.
  • Use multi-factor authentication: enable multi-factor authentication, adding extra layers of protection to your accounts through biometrics or unique codes. More tips on how to improve the effectiveness of multi-factor authentication.
  • Employ device encryption: encrypt sensitive data on your devices, such as laptops, smartphones, and cloud storage, to protect against unauthorised access.
  • Back-Up regularly: keep important files secure by regularly backing them up offline, on external hard drives, or in the cloud.
  • Keep your hard drive clean: before selling or discarding a device, ensure all personal information is thoroughly deleted and the hard drive is wiped clean.
  • Secure your router: protect your wireless network by updating the default name and password, enabling encryption, and disabling remote management.

Remember, practising good cyber hygiene is essential in maintaining online safety. By using reputable cybersecurity tools, staying updated, using strong passwords, and keeping your devices clean, you can establish habits that will protect you and your digital assets from cyber threats.