If you work in a hybrid position, it’s likely that you are at higher risk for becoming the victim of a cyber-attack. Connecting to your work network at home or at the local coffee spot or having your work applications on a personal phone can leave you and your data vulnerable. There are dozens of ways that users can be left open to digital attacks, and the opportunity for cyber-crime evolves every day as technology changes. Here are some ways that you can protect yourself and your data.
- Use strong and unique passwords: It is essential to use strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password should be at least 12 characters long, contain a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
- Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. It requires you to provide an additional piece of information, such as a code sent to your phone, before you can access your account.
- Be cautious of phishing scams: Phishing scams are a common tactic used by cybercriminals to steal your personal information. They usually come in the form of an email or text message that appears to be from a trusted source, asking you to provide sensitive information. Be cautious when opening emails or clicking links: Don’t open emails or click links from unknown sources, as they may contain malware.
- Keep your software updated: Keeping your software updated, including your operating system and antivirus software, is crucial to protect against known vulnerabilities and exploits.
- Use a firewall: A firewall can help block unauthorized access to your network.
- Secure your home network: Make sure to change the default username and password on your router, use strong encryption methods such as WPA2, and turn off remote management.
- Limit your personal information online: Be cautious of the information you share online, especially on social media platforms. Cybercriminals can use this information to steal your identity or commit fraud.
- Backup your data: Regularly backup your important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This will ensure that you have access to your data in case of a cyber attack or system failure.
- Use a Secure Network: When using public Wi-Fi use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your internet traffic and hide your IP address, making it difficult for cybercriminals to intercept your data.
- Use a password manager: A password manager can help you generate and store strong and unique passwords for all your accounts.
Rolle IT helps businesses secure their data and puts best practices in place to protect users and companies. User Focused IT Consulting.