2020 was a year of significant technological advancements in our life with innovative solutions. And 2021 is likely going to be similar in this regard. Whether you're a business owner, work for a large company, or store important information in a digital form at home, you've probably seen a huge wave of cyberization taking over in recent years.
However, with advancements come new threats. Personal and business-related data are vulnerable and, as such, are an easy target for cybercriminals. Ransomware attacks, security breaches, and information theft cause severe financial damage and pose a serious threat. That's why you need to implement new cybersecurity measures! If you want to learn how to protect your data from cybercrime, keep on reading!
Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips For 2021
Beware of Phishing Attacks
According to the experts at Bulletproof , phishing attacks are among the most common causes of the largest data leaks and security breaches. What are they? In short, cybercriminals send emails to employees or members of various organizations requesting logins and passwords while pretending to be their bosses or other important figures. We are often warned about not giving our passwords and logins to anyone, but due to a human errors, serious data breaches take place regularly.
In the previous year, many companies became victims of phishing attacks - such as or Marriott, and we are yet to see who's turn it is going to be in 2021. Our advice? Never send your passwords and logins to anyone.
Take Advantage of Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication , also known as 2FA, is a feature that protects your accounts with another layer of security protocols. With 2FA, you have to take more steps to sign in, which improves your cybersecurity and gives you more direct control over access to your data.
Aside from your username and password, this method requires you to enter additional information such as a code sent to your registered email address or a personal mobile device. If you own more advanced technology, you can be asked to provide a fingerprint scan. Such security measures are tough to crack. They quickly gain popularity, and many companies have already decided to implement 2FA, with more expected to follow soon.
Update Your Software Regularly
Cybercriminals could access your software easily if it's outdated. Updates are released regularly, and they're specifically designed to increase the security of your device. While updates and patches keep the malware at bay, the "postpone" button is ever so tempting.
Don't underestimate the importance of updating. Do not stop software updates ! If you can, set all your devices to update automatically and try to keep your browser extensions up to date. This way, you'll keep your information safe.
Avoid Easy Passwords
Using a weak password poses a serious security threat. Even worse, if you use the same password for multiple accounts, it's like you're voluntarily handing your security information over to cybercriminals. Your passwords are your primary security against cyber attacks, so make sure they're strong! Even though creating a hard-to-crack (and memorable!) passwords can be challenging, there are some tips that can help you out.
First off, avoid using predictable keyboard paths, such as "12345" or "qwerty." Forget about predictable phrases ("password" is extremely popular), names, or functions (like "admin"). Upon creating a unique password, use a variety of character types. Make sure you include at least one number, one symbol, one lowercase letter, and one uppercase letter. Finally, don't use the same password for multiple accounts or sites. Additionally, you should also change your passwords at least once a year.
Secure Web Browsing
One of the most important steps you need to take to boost your cybersecurity is to start taking care of your web browsing habits. From hackers to government agencies, everyone wants to collect as much data as possible. That task is easier than you think, especially with all the social media platforms, ad networks, and other apps. It's difficult to maintain online privacy. However, when there's a will, there's away.
If you're accustomed to using public Wi-Fi networks, it's time to stop doing so. Anyone can access these networks, and your data can be easily stolen, which can be dangerous if you're used to making online payments. Fortunately, VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) can make your web browsing much more secure. Good VPNs like ProxyRack create a private network from a public internet connection, masking your IP address. New connections to other networks are encrypted and secure.
This way, you gain a sense of anonymity, as your private information and browsing habits are no longer exposed. VPNs can also help you bypass geographic restrictions and location-based internet censorship.
The Bottom Line
With the development of technology and the amount of data stored in the digital form, cybersecurity is now more critical than ever. Your personal and -related information is vulnerable to attacks, and cyber criminals could easily steal unprotected sensitive data. However, the tips mentioned above offer additional layers of protection you can add to your cybersecurity arsenal. Feel free to combine them to ensure the security of your data.
