In our rapidly-advancing world, technology has claimed the spotlight on all fronts. With revolutionary developments, remaining safe in all aspects of the net are vital. However, cyber security is often neglected and overlooked. Your security is in your own hands, so employing good practises is absolutely imperative. By implementing just a few basic strategies, you will be able to avoid cyber threats and take advantage of the plethora of benefits the net brings. Some of these tips may seem obvious, but more often than not these seemingly straightforward things are neglected. Let’s fix that with this article!

Assuming you would not like to be a victim of data breach or fraud, this article is really important, and the suggestions should be implemented immediately. But before diving into the solution, it’s important to understand the problem and the potential threats it poses.

The problem

Most people are unaware of this of this fact; your data isn’t as secure as you might think it is. It is very possible that your private information is leaked or held captive by ‘dangerous predators’. Of course, major companies ‘claim’ that your personal information and data is handled securely, and this is true to a certain extent, but a problem arises when external factors have a say in this. Vicious hackers are always scouring for their next pray, and us users often make it quite a simple task for them.

Hackers use several elusive tactics to lure in the innocent victims. It’s our job to be aware of them. Even the simplest of tricks will keep your data safe.

Let’s first discuss 3 approaches to ensuring cyber security in a rather simplistic manner. Subsequently, we will view common ruses that hackers employ.

Strategies for Cyber Security:

• Strong passwords
• Regular software updates
• Using secure websites
• Links are bad!

Strong Passwords:

Let’s be honest, how many of your passwords are repeats or just your date of birth? And there are definitely users whose password are ‘0000’ or ‘1234’ (be honest with yourself!) Unfortunately, having these passwords is like asking hackers to make you their pray.  Creating strong and unique passwords is critical, and its quite simple to do so. Changing your passwords (emphasis on plural passwords!) is just a 5 mins job, requiring you to merely login to the relevant app/website, and CHANGE THE PASSWORD!!!! Don’t worry, I won’t just leave you on your own…I’ve got you covered on how to make a strong password!

Tips to creating a strong password

Do not use the same password twice – As tempting as it might be, do not set a target on yourself Even though it’s simple for YOU to remember, keep in mind, it will be SIMPLE for the hackers when they are accessing your information on multiple sites. These are some basic rules to follow when creating a password:

• Do not have your date of birth in your password
• Include at least one uppercase letter, a digit and a special character (@,#,& etc)
• Ensure the password is longer than at least 8 characters

These are some really simple, yet extremely effective tips to follow when creating your password. I would highly recommend using a ‘password-strength’ checking website, to ensure you have a strong one. You will find hundreds of these on the internet, make sure to use it to your advantage before setting your password.

Password checker website

Regular software updates

This is perhaps the most annoying one on the list. If your one of those people that just never update your software, don’t worry, we’re on the same boat! But doing this infuriating, time consuming task is actually imperative. Updating your software to the most latest one ensures your device strays away from bugs and crashes, while ensuring the antivirus software is kept up-to date. In addition to that, you get to avail of the latest features of the technological world…we keep advancing, you don’t want to fall behind!

Another benefit of updating your software is that your data becomes even more secure. Often, the updates come with a revamped data protection, or simply maintains the current standard, not letting it slide. Doing this annoying task makes it extremely difficult for hackers to access your personal data.

Using secure websites

I don’t think I need to stress the importance of using secure websites, but I will anyways!! There a literally 2 billion websites on the net (fact checked), and A LOT of them are used as bait by cyber-thieves. These ‘unsecure’ websites are a way to access your information and personal data, without you even realising it.

Now, quite often you will encounter such sites, and there is a simple way of steering away from them. Look for the ‘secure lock’ on the URL at the top of the page. That sign means that website is safe to use.

Links are bad!

DO NOT CLICK ON RANDOM LINKS. Your will often receive scam messages, telling you about some sort of ‘incident’, like you have been hacked…take action now. It really is ironic. Clicking on these links is like accepting the invitation to being hacked. Data breachers use this as bait to get access to your personal information. Unless the link is from a known source, do not click on it. You will also find plenty of random accounts on social media sending you messages with such links…just don’t press them, simple as that!

Interested in knowing more about Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is a vast subject. In fact, it’s an entire proffession! I definitely recommend reading this brilliant Emily Courtney from Forage, in which she dives into this topic in great depth, and also explores the opportunity this proffesssion presents. Check it out…

https://www.theforage.com/blog/careers/cybersecurity

Finally, your safety is in your hands. As obvious as these strategies may seem, they are extremely effective, and often neglected. Act right this second, because your data may be unsecure as we speak. This article is just the beginning to the ‘IT Section’, I will be writing several more articles containing useful tips and strategies to being safe in our technologically advanced society, and numerous articles which will just be an interesting, and thought-provoking read! Stay tuned!