Updated: Sep 17, 2021
Another year of COVID-19, but still the same cybersecurity hacks. In fact, cybercrime is continuing on a rampant incline and shows no signs of slowing down. This can be attributed to reasons such as a widespread working-from-home fatigue. And it is without a doubt that cybercrime is becoming more dangerous than it’s ever been before!
Yet, what’s pertinent to note is that the vast majority of reported breaches are attributable to simple human error. As such, a bit of human awareness goes a long way. The interesting thing is that around 90% of cyber-attacks begin with a scam phishing emails, which can often end with the victim going out of business. Imagine that!
Therefore, in a world where a simple misclick can carry severe real-world consequences, it’s important to establish habits that help you to stay aware and protected against encroaching cyber threats.
Here are a few measures you can take to immediately improve your cyber-hygiene are as follows:
Start checking the ‘fine print’: Received a suspicious email? Get into the practice of viewing the email header to verify the sending address, and learn how to hover over and read suspicious links without actually clicking on them.
Brush up your password hygiene: It’s been said ad nauseam: change your passwords at least once every few months, don’t re-use them, and make sure they have a mix of numbers, special characters, and both upper & lower-case letters!
Stop snoozing updates! Many cyber-attacks occur simply because of out-of-date apps and software. When your apps and programs ask you to update, aim to get it done on the same day to avoid potential security risks.
However, with that being said, if the fix was as simple as “stop making mistakes”, let’s face it, I wouldn’t need to be writing this article in the first place. Because here’s the thing. We aren’t machines, and mistakes are bound to happen. Simple as that.
So rather than carrying the weight alone, there are a number of tools we can use to help stay aware and protected against online threats. For instance:
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): You know that SMS code you get when you sign in to your accounts? That’s 2FA, and it can do wonders in stopping a hacker. 2FA apps such as Microsoft Authenticator can be used on most of your logins for added security.
Password Managers: Rather than creating and remembering all of your passwords, a Password Manager can be used to create and store a diverse range of strong passwords, directly in your browser. See apps such as 1Pass or Lastpass.
Automated Updates: This one’s easy. If you’re sick of installing updates or if you’re prone to snoozing them, you can change the settings for most apps so that they install themselves automatically! Google your apps and their automatic update features to get your updates under control.
But of course, to ensure your company and employees are extra secure, it is important to raise cybersecurity awareness amongst your employees. The eVantage Technology Cyber Security Awareness Training Program is an easy-to-follow cyclical process which delivers an effective cyber security awareness program to your staff, offering a complete solution to test, train, measure and mitigate human risk.
Not sure about the next steps to take for your cybersecurity? Click the green button below to contact us today!
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