What’s Trending: Cybersecurity Best Practices
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The internet isn’t all fun and games. There has been a giant leap from where the internet was back in the 1990s to our current age, and the usefulness and danger it presents to everyone is tangent. From the bank and your office to regular grocery shopping, you can do it all with just some internet access.
As useful as it is, everyone can be a target to hackers and other malicious agents who want to get vulnerable data out of you. A good grasp of cybersecurity best practices is essential for individuals and big and small companies.
Check out some of the tips, warnings, and best cybersecurity practices according to experts on the web.
Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency
Cybersecurity is such an important topic that a whole area of the American government ensures that everything stays as safe as possible to avoid attacks on homeland security. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency remarks that being secure on the internet is particularly difficult, as you can be the target of an attack directed from anywhere in the world.
“Using strong passwords, updating your software, thinking before you click on suspicious links, and turning on multi-factor authentication are the basics of what we call “cyber hygiene” and will drastically improve your online safety.”
The CISA warns against the many dangers of the internet, such as child safety, illegal cryptocurrency mining, and basic tips on how to stay safe while holiday shopping online. They have an array of resources on how to keep safe and share this information with others so that they can be careful too.
The four ways the CISA recommends to keep safe on the internet are as follows:
- Turn on multi-factor authentication.
- Update your software.
- Think before you click.
- Use strong passwords.
Infinit-o
For Infinit-o, they have one thing clear: information means business. Whenever you go online, your information is the number one currency that can be traded. Think of it: your bank accounts, healthcare history, company information, addresses, purchases, and more can be tracked down by your digital footprint, so it all must remain locked.
Keeping everything is even more important for a business, as they also manage the information of any client dealing with you. To avoid any leak that could put your company in hot water, they advise following Information Assurance. This is the practice to protect and manage the risks related to data and information systems.
“A secure information system is built on the foundation of five essential building blocks. Setting these pillars properly into place is central to developing any kind of information security mechanism in your business.”
To follow IA, the U.S. Department of Defense has put out a five-step guide on how to keep information safe in your office cyberspace or business for employees and companies:
1. Confidentiality: Ensuring that information will not be disclosed to third parties.
2. Integrity: Keeping vital information safeguarded, never destroying or altering it during transmission or storage.
3. Availability: Timely and easy access to information services.
4. Authenticity: The means to ensure the authenticity of the individual’s authorization to receive information.
5. Non-repudiation: The ability to prove the identities of the sender and recipient to validate the communication.
Norton
In an article for Norton, Alison Grace Johansen talks about the basics of cybersecurity. This piece is focused on what cybersecurity best practices mean. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting all critical systems, devices, and data against attacks. Private individuals and corporations must follow these practices to ensure their safety on the internet.
“Cybersecurity best practices encompass some general best practices—like being cautious when engaging in online activities, safeguarding private information, and reaching out for help when you encounter something suspicious.”
In this piece, the author goes over some of the most common attacks, such as malware, ransomware, phishing, and personal threats. These threats can gain unauthorized access or damage a device.
Johansen shares a tips list on how to stay secure while surfing the web:
1. Avoid sharing sensitive information on suspicious websites.
2. Be careful clicking on links and pop-ups.
3. Use strong passwords.
4. Use VPNs.
5. Enable firewall security.
6. Update your software regularly.
7. If you have any trouble, contact an IT expert.
8. Use security systems.
9. Backup your files.
10. Keep up to date with IT information and courses.
Berkeley
The university has some very useful advice on the UC Berkeley website for anyone who uses the internet. These tips focus on dispelling myths about the internet’s dangers and harms.
Some of these myths include the notion that a cyberattack “cannot happen to you.” The truth is that anyone and everyone is a target for an attack. It doesn’t matter how “little” you think your presence or small business is compared to others. Your data can be used to access financial accounts, companies, or clients’ data.
Another thing that they mention is that it is important to keep systems up-to-date. Having the latest version of your phone or computer’s software helps delete bugs from the code that the operating company has detected. Bugs, leaks, and more can put your device’s security at risk.
Also, did you know that cyberattacks don’t always have to come from the internet? An infected USB or external drive can damage your computer through malware. Even leaving your computer unlocked in a public place can be a target for anyone with nefarious intentions.
The takeaway
Cybersecurity is essential for anyone who deals with information over the internet. Cybersecurity isn’t hard if you pay attention and play it safe, all it takes is pausing before clicking or downloading stuff on the web, and talking to an expert whenever you see something off. To be safe on the web is a matter of not only personal safety but can go all the way up to the government and homeland security.
