What Not to Do When Protecting Your Data: Cybersecurity Expert Tips

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I’ll give it a shot!

I’ve seen my fair share of data breaches and security mishaps. It’s enough to make your head spin – the countless ways in which hackers can weasel their way into your personal and professional data. But fear not, dear reader, for I am here to share some expert tips on what not to do when protecting your data.

You see, there’s one thing I’ve learned in all my years in this industry: the key to effective cyber security isn’t just having the right tools and software. It’s about understanding the psychology behind what makes you and your data vulnerable in the first place.

We humans are funny creatures. We like to think we’re invincible, that something as simple as a password or firewall isn’t going to be the thing that trips us up. But the reality is, hackers are getting smarter and more ruthless every day. It’s up to us to educate ourselves on what not to do when it comes to cyber security.

So, without further ado, let’s dive into some of the biggest mistakes you can make when protecting your data – and how to avoid them.

What not to do in cybersecurity?

When it comes to cybersecurity, it’s important to understand what not to do in order to protect yourself and your sensitive information. Below are some key actions to avoid:

  • Creating passwords that are too common or easy to guess, such as your child’s name or your Social Security number. Opt for a unique combination of letters, numbers, and symbols to make it harder for hackers to access your accounts.
  • Leaving your laptop or other devices unattended, even for just a few minutes. This can give others the opportunity to access your information or install malware on your device.
  • Replying to emails that request personal or financial information. These types of emails are often scams, designed to trick you into giving away sensitive information. Always verify the sender and the legitimacy of the request before responding.
  • Beware of opening emails or attachments from unknown senders, as they may contain malware or viruses that can compromise your device and data.
  • By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber attacks or identity theft. Remember to always err on the side of caution and take steps to protect yourself and your information.


    ???? Pro Tips:

    1. Do not use common or easily guessable passwords: Using passwords like “password123” or your name and birthdate can make it very easy for hackers to gain access to your accounts. Always use complex and unique passwords.

    2. Do not click on suspicious links: Phishing emails and social engineering attacks are common in cybersecurity. Never click on links or download attachments from unknown sources.

    3. Do not neglect software updates: Software vulnerabilities are regularly discovered and patched through updates. Always keep your software, operating system, and antivirus up-to-date to avoid being exploited by hackers.

    4. Do not use public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions: Public Wi-Fi is often unsecured, which means anyone on the same network can potentially intercept your data. Avoid doing sensitive transactions like online banking or making purchases while on public Wi-Fi.

    5. Do not share sensitive information on social media: Cybercriminals can use information shared on social media to craft convincing phishing emails or launch targeted attacks. Be cautious about what you share online and limit the amount of personal information that you post.

    What Not to Do in Cybersecurity

    it’s vital to constantly advise people on how to protect themselves from cyber attacks. In this article, we will discuss what not to do in cybersecurity. Implementing even one of these tips can make a significant difference in strengthening your personal or business network’s security.

    Avoid Common Passwords

    One of the most common mistakes people make is using simple passwords. A simple password can be any number of commonly used passwords like your child’s name, Social Security number, or UNI. Cybercriminals frequently attack accounts with common passwords. Here are some things you can do to secure your passwords:

    • Generate complex passwords using a password manager.
    • Protect your password manager with a strong and unique password.
    • Use multi-factor authentication where possible.
    • Do not reuse passwords across accounts.

    Remember: Always use strong and unique passwords to secure your accounts.

    Don’t Leave Your Laptop Unattended

    Leaving your laptop unattended, even for a short period, can put your personal and business data at risk. The risks increase in public places such as cafes, airports, or libraries. In this case, a cybercriminal can steal it or infect it with malware. Below are some tips to keep your laptop safe from intruders:

    • Use a laptop security cable to secure your device to a desk or any stationary object.
    • Lock your laptop with a password or PIN.
    • Encrypt your hard drive so that an attacker can’t access the data on it.
    • Enable remote tracking and wiping on your device in case it gets stolen.

    Remember: Always keep your laptop in a secure location and make sure it’s protected with a security cable and password.

    Never Give Out Personal Information

    Do not reply to any email that requests your personal or financial information. Scammers often use social engineering tactics like phishing or pretexting to trick users into giving out sensitive information. Here are some tips to help protect your personal information:

    • Do not click on links within emails and do not respond to unsolicited emails from unknown senders.
    • Check the email address of the sender and do not open any suspicious attachments or links.
    • Be wary of unsolicited phone calls by people claiming to be IT technicians or customer service agents.
    • Limit the amount of personal information you share online with social networking sites.

    Remember: Never give out sensitive information to anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.

    Beware of Suspicious Emails

    One of the most common ways cybercriminals get access to a computer network is through email. Hackers can use email attachments or links to spread malware, spyware, and viruses. Below are some tips to decrease the risk of getting hacked through your email:

    • Avoid opening unsolicited email attachments or following links from unknown senders.
    • Be mindful of the language used in an email
    • watch out for poor grammar and excessive urgency.
    • Always double-check the sender’s email address before opening the email and verify it with the company themself if unsure.
    • Enable spam filtering features that can block unwanted email from reaching your inbox.

    Remember: Always be suspicious of unsolicited emails and don’t open any attachments or links from unknown senders.

    Don’t Click on Unknown Email Attachments

    Attaching malware to emails is one way cybercriminals compromise a network. Malware can cause severe damage to a business’s systems and sensitive data. Here are some tips to help you avoid email attachments with malware:

    • Don’t open any attachments from unknown senders or unexpected emails.
    • Use an antivirus program that can detect email-launched malware.
    • Verify with the sender before opening an attachment, even if the email itself seems legitimate.
    • Set up firewalls to scan incoming attachments for malware before accepting them.

    Remember: Never click on an unknown attachment that comes through email and potentially compromises your business’ sensitive data.

    Avoid Using Public Wi-Fi without a VPN

    Public Wi-Fi is one of the most susceptible access points for cybercriminals to gain access to a computer network, especially when sensitive data is transmitted over that Wi-Fi network. Avoid using open Wi-Fi networks without a Virtual Private Network (VPN) because cybercriminals can compromise data transmitted over those open networks. Here are some tips to protect yourself when using open Wi-Fi networks:

    • Don’t use public Wi-Fi to log in or access sensitive information. Instead, use a VPN that encrypts your data.
    • Use a secure Wi-Fi network with a strong password or one-time passcode provided by the service provider.
    • Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use to avoid wireless attacks.

    Remember: Use a VPN encrypted connection when using public Wi-Fi to ensure your private information remains that way.

    Don’t Delay Software Updates

    Software updates contain vital security updates and patches that, if not updated quickly, could cause vulnerabilities for cybercriminals to use. Delaying software updates can compromise your network’s security, making it vital to have consistent security updates. Here are some tips to keep your software up-to-date:

    • Set your software to update automatically.
    • Check software vendor websites for security updates and patches and download them as soon as they become available.
    • Update all software, including your operating system, browsers, and utility software.
    • Keep your hardware drivers updated for that optimal performance from any given software.

    Remember: Always keep your software up-to-date to ensure that security vulnerabilities are addressed, so best protection possible is being provided.

    Conclusion

    Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving issue, but small tweaks to your everyday digital habits can make a significant difference in securing your data and systems. Keep in mind, your digital footprint is a valuable treasure chest to keep under lock and key, preventing those of ill-intent from gaining access to your valuable data. Stay safe online!