12 Helpful Tips To Protect Yourself From Cyber Attacks

protect yourself from cyber-attacks image 1

Here are 15 helpful tips to help you protect yourself from cyber-attacks in this ever-evolving digital space.

Good password hygiene means that you’re using strong passwords and managing them properly. You must create complex passwords and change them regularly.

Password managers provide a hassle-free way to generate and store passwords. There are many password managers to choose from. Identify and use the one that suits your needs and you’ll protect yourself from brute force attacks and dictionary attacks. Some common password managers include 1Password, LastPass, Dashlane, Keeper, Bitwarden, and NordPass.

Hackers often exploit security gaps existing in outdated software. Performing regular software updates ensures that you protect yourself from cyber-attacks by having the latest security patches. You can implement scheduled updates or auto-updates to avoid missing out on critical patches.

Installing an up-to-date antivirus or antimalware software protects your devices from a huge number of common cybersecurity threats. Such programs can detect, scan, prevent, and delete malware from your devices.

Some antivirus software also offers additional security solutions such as ad blockers, and firewalls.

Social media is currently a huge part of our lives. We use it to connect with friends, family, acquaintances, and strangers. However, don’t let your guard down when engaging with others online. Limit the amount of personal information you share on social media platforms.

Information from your socials could be used to initiate targeted attacks or identity theft. In addition, enforce privacy settings that protect your personal information on all social media platforms.

Using a VPN is an excellent way to protect yourself from cyber-attacks while browsing public networks. A VPN encrypts your data and masks your IP address. This makes it more challenging for third parties to intercept your data, adding an extra layer of protection when accessing resources or browsing the web.

Some of the common VPN providers include ProtonVPN, Surfshark, NordVPN, and ExpressVPN.

If you have a Wi-Fi network at home, make sure that you change the default password and replace it with your strong password. For compatible devices, enable WPA3 to make your network more secure.

It is also advisable not to use public Wi-Fi. If you have to use it, avoid accessing sensitive information or use a VPN.

Regularly review and update app permissions, especially on your mobile devices. In some devices, you can allow apps to access certain data only when actively in use and not in the background. This way, you reduce the exposure surface of your data to cyber-attacks.

Disable location sharing for unnecessary apps to protect your real-time location from being exploited.

Threat actors can take advantage of your location details to bypass location-based authentication systems. This makes it easier for them to successfully log in to your systems remotely.

A large number of us use the internet for communication, whether it’s through emails, chats, or forums. It is important to ensure that the messages we send are secure. That’s why you should always opt to use communication tools that enforce end-to-end encryption e.g. WhatsApp. This secures your private conversations and keeps them away from eavesdroppers.

Cookies and browser history keep a trace of your online activities on your local device. Cybercriminals can use this information to identify personal information they can use in an attack. They can also sell the information on the dark web. That’s why it’s a good practice to constantly clear your browser cookies and history.

Emails are commonly used by attackers for phishing attacks. You should avoid clicking links that look suspicious or come from an unknown source. Also, don’t be in a hurry to respond to emails that are asking you to provide personal information or are prompting you for immediate action. To add an extra layer of protection, you can explore the use of encrypted email services.

Last but not least, it is crucial for you to stay informed about the latest threats. Cyber attackers are constantly evolving and adjusting their tactics.

You can educate yourself by joining relevant online forums, following industry experts, and reading cybersecurity books, glossaries, and journals. You can even do a course on cybersecurity basics. There’s a lot of information out there that will equip you with the skills and knowledge to protect yourself from the latest cyber-attacks.

Protecting yourself from cyber-attacks isn’t an option but a necessity in our world today. By implementing the tips mentioned above, you are better placed to protect your data from cyber-attacks.