Top 5 Cyber Security tips to protect your data
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber security aims to prevent cyber attacks and protect sensitive data.
Implementing basic cyber security measures protects your business’s hardware, software, networks and valuable data. Applying various processes and technologies can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your business systems.
There are many things to consider when securing your business. Here are 5 Top Tips for businesses and individuals to get you started on the road to better cyber security.
1. Use Strong Passwords
One of the most common and understandable errors people make when protecting their data is using the same password for more than one account. If one account is compromised, then other accounts will be too. To create a strong and secure password, the best advice is to use unique words or even make up your own. You can use a password manager such as Last Pass to store your passwords. Once set up, you’ll find that Last Pass populates the relevant fields for you, making it as easy as it ever has been to access your accounts, but you’re now 100 times more secure.
2. Recognise Phishing Emails
The general rule of thumb is to be suspicious of emails you receive at all times and question what you don’t recognise. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know and remember that malicious links can come from friends who have been infected. A sensible thing to do is hover over the links to see exactly where the email is being directed. Often it isn’t where it initially says.
To learn more about identifying and defending your business against phishing emails, see our other blog post on this topic here.
3. Use Your Mobile Devices Securely
Now more than ever your mobile device is a target for cyber criminals. You can make your device more secure by creating a difficult mobile password, so not your date of birth for example, and avoid sending personal or sensitive information by text message or email. Also always keep your devices updated and only install apps from trusted sources. And finally, do consider utilising Find My iPhone or Android Device Manager to prevent loss or theft.
4. Don’t Use Public WiFi
If you want to use a public WiFi, make sure you are doing so using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). By using a VPN, the traffic between your device and the VPN is encrypted. This means it’s far more difficult for a cyber criminal to access data on your device. Ideally use your mobile data if you can, or if it’s not urgent wait until you can connect to a trusted WiFi.
5. Protect Your Sensitive Personal Identifiable Information (PII)
Your personal identifiable information includes your name, address, phone numbers and date of birth and can be used by a cyber criminal to identify or locate you. Be very cautious about what information you share online, in particular social media. It’s advisable to share as little as possible and to regularly review your privacy settings.
Summary
Cyber security is vital for businesses and individuals, as technology is an integral part of our lives, both personally and professionally. The ever increasing usage of tech, coupled with the rise in cyber attacks has made cyber security a primary concern for many.
Understanding and implementing the 5 simple tips set out above will give you a good foundation and the basic knowledge needed to make that first step towards better cyber security and protecting your data.
If you want to save or share this information with your family, friends or colleagues, download our free PDF resource: Top 5 Cyber Security Tips.
Keep your business secure.
To find out how wytech can help with your business cyber security, please give us a call, drop us an email or fill out a contact form linked below.