Digital defense: Everyday practices to protect yourself online

Advancing technology, rising threats

In today’s interconnected world, cybersecurity is an essential aspect of everyone’s lives. We all rely heavily on technology for everything such as communication, banking, healthcare, and entertainment. However, with the increasing sophistication of cybercrime, the risk of becoming a victim to digital threats has never been higher.  The implementation of effective cybersecurity practices can shore up vulnerabilities and help safeguard us against attacks like identity theft, fraud, scams, and compromised accounts. In this article, we’ll discuss how to protect yourself from cyber threats.

How to protect yourself from a cyberattack

As the cybercrime landscape continues to evolve, it’s more important than ever to be smart about your personal security. But you may be wondering, how can I protect myself from a cyberattack?

The following are a few leading practices that can assist in being more cyber-resilient:

Use strong, unique passwords

Choosing a good password is crucial in making it difficult for someone to access your accounts or devices. A strong password should have three characteristics: complexity, randomness, and length. High complexity, or difficulty to guess, contributes to the unpredictability of the password. Avoid using personal information such as birthdates, anniversaries, or pet names. Additionally, randomness is essential. Passwords should include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters to be unpredictable. Length is also important, with a minimum of 14 characters recommended. A password embodying these three qualities could take an estimated 200 million years to crack using modern techniques.¹

Another effective option is the use of passphrases, which can be more secure than traditional passwords. A passphrase consists of a sequence of mixed words (e.g., Oil-Drove-Design7-Various-Progress). Passphrases are often easier to remember and typically longer than traditional passwords, making them more resistant to brute-force attacks. For optimal security, a passphrase should be at least 4 words and exceed 15 characters in length. ² Including numbers and special characters, such as dashes between words, can further enhance the strength of a passphrase. Be sure to avoid using personal information, as it can be easily guessed, and compromise the security of your passphrase.

Passwords and passphrases should never be reused to ensure that each account stays secure, and they should not be stored on a spreadsheet. It can become difficult to remember all your passwords or passphrases, so try using a password manager instead to keep accounts and devices secure.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Multi-factor authentication can enhance the security of your accounts by requiring 2 or more forms of verification. MFA can involve something you know, such as a password; something you are, like a biometric; or something you have, such as an authenticator application on your phone. For instance, using a password combined with an authenticator app provides an extra layer of security. Microsoft estimates that implementing MFA can prevent 99% of authentication-based attacks, making it an important measure for protecting your information.³ By using an authenticator wherever possible, you drastically reduce the risk of unauthorized access to your accounts.

Stay current with updates

Software updates are essential, as they deliver patches that fix defects in an application’s software.⁴ These defects represent vulnerabilities that hackers often try to exploit. When defects are identified, patches are released to eliminate the problem, closing security gaps and preventing potential attacks. Typically, your devices will notify you when a software update is available, but it’s also good practice to regularly check your device settings to ensure all software is up to date. Continuing to update your software helps maintain your applications and keeps them running smoothly and safely.

Install an antivirus (AV) software and use safe browsing

Antivirus software plays an important role in keeping your devices safe by detecting and blocking viruses and malware. Additionally, adding a browser guard can enhance this protection by shielding your devices from harmful websites and preventing unnecessary tracking cookies. Together, these tools provide comprehensive protection for a safer online experience. It is important to ensure the definitions of your AV are frequently updated as new threats are constantly emerging.

Back up your data

Regular backups can save you a lot of stress by allowing you to restore lost data. By consistently backing up your information, you safeguard against hardware and software failures, human error, and malware. Data can be backed up either by using a cloud service (e.g., Apple, Google, Amazon) or on a physical piece of hardware such as hard drives or flash drives. Many individuals choose to back up data off-premises, specifically in the cloud, as it allows for both accessibility and scalability. Cloud backups offer off-site protection, ensuring that your data remains secure even in the event of a disaster. Furthermore, cloud storage provides the flexibility to scale your data needs effortlessly as they grow. By backing up your data, you ensure it remains secure and accessible in any situation.

Use a secure Wi-Fi connection

Using a secure Wi-Fi connection is essential for protecting your data. Sensitive transactions should never be conducted over public networks, as public Wi-Fi is often insecure and vulnerable to attacks that can steal credit card information, files, or passwords. If you must use public Wi-Fi, make sure to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your data and conceals your IP address, making your devices less susceptible to attacks.

Stay informed and proactive for enhanced security

Beyond adopting best practices, it’s important to educate yourself and stay informed on how to protect yourself from a cyberattack. Regularly check if your accounts have been compromised; there are free online tools to help facilitate this. Take the time to learn about each of your devices, how they operate, and the best methods to secure them. Conducting your own research on how to protect your devices and accounts will allow you to tailor security measures to your specific needs. If possible, consult with a cybersecurity professional for expert advice. By staying informed and vigilant, we can successfully protect our personal and professional information and mitigate potential vulnerabilities.

At CAI, we take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, finding vulnerabilities and gaps and creating short- and long-term strategies to mitigate risk. Our team can help you navigate the complex environment of evolving cybersecurity threats, offer cyber solutions, and find the right tools for your organization. If you’re looking for a partner on your cybersecurity journey, contact us.