Cybercrime attacks top the ranking of the most severe attacks recorded in the last year. In this post, I have listed six steps that you can take to increase cybersecurity.
The risks you are exposed to when you browse online can be of various kinds:
- theft of sensitive information;
- monitoring of actions;
- blocking of data or some services to extort money.
For this, you need to take preventive security measures to protect your data.
New GDPR privacy regulation
From May 25, 2018, companies that collect, store, personal process information of European Union citizens must comply with the regulations of the New Privacy Regulation and adopt suitable cybersecurity solutions.
To ensure the confidentiality, integrity, availability, and resiliency of gdpr computing systems and services, practical measures, such as encryption and two-factor authentication, can be taken.
1. Use Strong Passwords
The first step to improve cybersecurity on the internet is to use efficient passwords. A strong password meets the following characteristics:
- it has a minimum length: it consists of at least eight characters;
- contains uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters: such as GooG!001@;
- does not contain personal information: avoid access keys with personal data known as name, surname, date of birth, etc.;
- be unique: Do not use the same password on multiple sites to limit damage in the event of password theft.
You can use a password manager to manage passwords, such as Keeper, Dashlane, SafeinCloud, mobile devices, and Lastpass for Desktop PCs.
2. Install Antivirus Softwares and Perform Periodic Scans
It is essential to use software that protects your PC and consequently your business. The tools you can use are:
- Antivirus: Detects and deletes malicious programs within your computer. This is possible thanks to the scanning of memory and all files;
- Antispam: This allows you to scan incoming emails and bin what is considered harmful or dangerous.
It is not enough to install the protection software and scan only when the message appears: Your computer is not safe. Scanning and updating these tools needs to be done regularly, as cyberattacks increase year on year.
3. Constantly update installed software.
To increase cybersecurity, update installed software on your PC and mobile devices frequently. Download the latest version of your computer system and remember to update your protection programs constantly. Doing these simple actions is one of the main tips to improve your cybersecurity.
4. Pay attention to emails and use professional mail systems.
Check the sender of the email before downloading attachments or clicking on malicious links. Especially:
- if the email has an attachment and the sender is unknown, avoid doing any action;
- If the sender is a collaborator or a known sender, it is a good thing to check the integrity of the submission. If the colleague has an infected inbox, the virus tries to spread by sending the malicious package to other users.
Verify the security of links in your email and attachments
To check the security of a site or web page present in the emails, check the reliability of the attachment. You can hover over the attachment format and links in the text. Avoid opening attachments with an extension: “filename .zip, filename.exe.”
Adopt professional email solutions
- use reliable e-mail software that ensures you continue reading your emails (such as Microsoft Outlook);
- Adopt secure and professional mail systems (such as Microsoft Exchange).
5. Pay attention to Public Wi-Fi networks.
When you browse the Internet, data transfer and communications should take place securely. Security is put at risk when you connect to unsafe networks such as public or free WiFi connections (airports, hotels, etc.). In these cases, network configurations may:
- do not implement security at the highest levels;
- be attacked by attackers.
Use Secure Network (VPN) connections.
The Virtual Private Network is a private connection created to ensure security and anonymity to navigation through encryption protocols. It is possible to connect to a VPN via:
- Personal Computer;
- Smartphones;
- Tablet.
The devices mentioned are increasingly being used for critical applications, for example, to access their online bank.
6. Regularly back up sensitive or essential data.
Backup is a critical process to prevent the loss of essential data. The process copies your device’s data and files and saves them to a safe place, such as an external hard drive or remote server. In machine failures or malicious software infections, you can provide the IT technician with your backup copy. This way, you will return to work as quickly as possible. Here are some best online backup tools.
Conclusion: Tips to Increase Cybersecurity
The risks you are exposed to when you browse online can result in severe damage such as work blocks and theft of sensitive information. For this, it is necessary to take preventive security measures to protect the data. In this post, I listed the six actions to increase cybersecurity.
