In our increasingly digital world, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be overstated. From personal data breaches to large-scale corporate cyber-attacks, the threats are ever-present.
As an IT support provider in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, we understand the critical need for individuals and businesses to maintain good cyber hygiene practices. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the basics of good cyber hygiene to help you lower your risk of a breach.
1. Keep Your Software Up to Date
One of the foundational principles of good cyber hygiene is ensuring that all your software, including operating systems and applications, is regularly updated. These updates often contain crucial security patches that address vulnerabilities. To stay protected:
- Enable Automatic Updates: Set your devices and software to automatically install updates to minimise the risk of missing critical patches.
- Regularly Check for Updates: Manually check for updates if automatic updates are not available for a particular application.
- Uninstall Unused Software: Remove any software you no longer need to reduce your attack surface.
2. Strong and Unique Passwords
Passwords are your first line of defence against unauthorised access. Weak or easily guessable passwords are an open invitation to cybercriminals. Follow these guidelines to strengthen your passwords:
- Use Longer Passwords: Create passwords or even passphrases with a longer length to increase complexity
- Avoid Common Words: Avoid using easily guessable words or phrases, such as “password” or “123456.”
- Unique Passwords for Each Account: Never reuse passwords across different accounts.
- Consider a Password Manager: Using a password manager can help you generate and store complex, unique passwords for all your accounts.
Additional guidance is available from the NCSC.
3. Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide two or more pieces of evidence before granting access. This typically involves something you know (password) and something you have (a smartphone or security token). Implement MFA where possible to enhance security.
- Utilise MFA for All Accounts: Enable MFA on your email, social media, and financial accounts.
- App-Based Authentication: Prefer app-based authentication over SMS-based methods for enhanced security.
- Backup Codes: Keep a record of backup codes in case you lose access to your MFA device.
4. Beware of Phishing Attempts
Phishing is a common tactic used by cybercriminals to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information. Being able to recognise and avoid phishing attempts is essential in maintaining good cyber hygiene:
- Verify Sender Identity: Always verify the sender’s email address before clicking on any links or downloading attachments.
- Don’t Trust Unsolicited Emails: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages requesting personal or financial information.
- Inspect URLs: Hover your mouse over links to see where they lead before clicking on them.
- Have a business process: When in doubt use your pre-arranged plan to verify, such as calling a known good telephone number to double-check a change in payment information.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about common phishing techniques and educate your colleagues and family about them.
5. Regularly Back Up Your Data
Data loss can be catastrophic, and ransomware attacks are on the rise. Regularly backing up your data can be a lifesaver in case of a breach or data loss. Follow these backup best practices:
- Automate Backups: Use backup software to automate the process, ensuring your data is consistently backed up.
- Store Backups Securely: Keep backups in a secure, off-site location to prevent them from being compromised along with your primary data.
- Test Your Backups: Periodically test your backups to ensure they can be successfully restored when needed.
6. Keep an Eye on Your Network
Protecting your network is essential, whether you’re at home or in a corporate environment. A well-secured network is a significant part of maintaining good cyber hygiene:
- Firewalls: Enable firewalls on your devices and network to filter incoming and outgoing traffic.
- Use Strong Encryption: Encrypt your Wi-Fi network with WPA3 or a similarly secure protocol.
- Regularly Update Router Firmware: Keep your router’s firmware up to date to patch security vulnerabilities.
7. Stay Informed and Educated
Cyber threats are continually evolving, and it’s vital to stay informed about the latest cybersecurity trends and best practices:
- Follow Security News: Keep up with cybersecurity news and subscribe to newsletters that provide updates on emerging threats.
- Regular Training: Provide cybersecurity training for yourself and your employees if you’re a business owner.
- Report Suspicious Activity: Encourage a culture of reporting any unusual or suspicious activity to your IT support team.
8. Regularly Review Privacy Settings
Many online services and social media platforms offer privacy settings that allow you to control the information you share. Take advantage of these settings to protect your personal information:
- Review App Permissions: Periodically review the permissions you’ve granted to apps and revoke unnecessary access.
- Social Media Privacy: Adjust the privacy settings on your social media profiles to limit the information visible to the public.
- Location Services: Limit the apps that have access to your location data to protect your privacy.
9. Secure Your Devices
The devices you use, including smartphones, laptops, and desktop computers, are susceptible to cyber threats. Ensure their security with these measures:
- Enable Lock Screen: Use passcodes, PINs, or biometric authentication to lock your devices.
- Install Security Software: Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software to safeguard your devices.
- Remote Wipe and Tracking: Enable the ability to remotely wipe your device if it’s lost or stolen, and track its location.
10. Develop an Incident Response Plan
Despite all your efforts, breaches can still occur. It’s essential to be prepared to respond effectively to minimise damage. Develop an incident response plan that outlines the steps to take in the event of a breach:
- Identify and Isolate: Quickly identify the breach and isolate affected systems to prevent further damage.
- Notify Relevant Parties: Inform employees, customers, and authorities as necessary.
- Forensic Analysis: Conduct a forensic analysis to determine the extent of the breach and how it occurred.
- Recovery and Mitigation: Implement recovery measures and mitigate future risks.
Protect Yourself Today
Good cyber hygiene is an ongoing process that requires vigilance and dedication. By following these basic principles, you can significantly lower your risk of a cyber breach. Whether you’re an individual or a business owner, it’s essential to take cyber hygiene seriously.
At Zenith Systems, we are committed to helping you protect your digital assets and providing top-notch IT services from Newcastle. For more information on how we can assist you in enhancing your cybersecurity, please contact us.
In addition to practising good cyber hygiene, consider signing up for our newsletter to stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and receive valuable tips and insights. Join our mailing list here and be part of a community that prioritises online security.
