Preserving your privacy online has always been a complex task – and with the advent of modern, rapidly-evolving cyber attacks, maintaining our privacy has become even more vital. Large phishing scams and massive data centre breaches frequently make the news, and that’s not considering all the smaller ones that aren’t impactful enough to create a headline. So it begs the question: what can you do to ensure your information remains safe?
Every day, families are impacted by targeted attacks, so it pays to know what the major cybersecurity concerns are and understand how to deal with them. Continue reading for the best practices to guard against web-based threats for your household and all its connected devices.
Pick strong passwords
Let’s start with one of the most important digital security tips we can give you – pick strong passwords. Hackers frequently try to crack user authentication accounts. You must use strong passwords of at least 20 characters, including alphanumeric and special characters. Don’t reuse the same code for all your accounts. Go further than just your accounts, and password protect your WiFi network with regularly updated passcodes. You can even password protect your PDF files, as well as hard drives or cloud storage accounts to safeguard private digital documents.
When updating passwords, we strongly recommend not choosing simple codes or phrases like “1234”, ‘Password123’ or “qwerty”, as hackers can easily defeat these using automated scripts with thousands of commonly used weak passwords. Using a password manager can also help you keep track of and update complex passwords with ease. Whatever password-setting methods you choose, taking these preliminary steps will provide an extra layer of protection that can help further safeguard your accounts, networks, and devices.
Two-factor authentication
Alongside setting secure passwords, families are also encouraged to set 2FA (or ‘two-factor authentication’) for all their accounts. 2FA provides an additional security layer to further deter criminals. In this method, you verify your identity with a unique one-time-use numeric code sent to your texts or email, then key it in along with your normal password.
In this scenario, even if a criminal cracks your password protection, they still won’t be authorised to access the account without the randomly generated, one-time code in this second verification step.
Common cyber vulnerabilities
Threats present themselves in many forms. Let’s take a closer look at two of the most common cybersecurity risks facing families and households.
Phishing
“Phishing” is a frequent problem across today’s digital landscape. It’s a routine criminals use to trick you into revealing private details like your home address and bank account numbers. You’ll receive emails with suspicious links to sites that can install malware and keystroke logger programs that secretly record passwords to anything from your medical records to credit card PINs.
Criminals also use robocalls to ask you about your background and spending habits. Never answer questions from unsolicited callers requesting personal details like the names of other family members, friends, or associates.
Malware
Malware or “malicious software” is a small program written by hackers that exploits devices like smartphones and laptops. These viruses infect your systems through fake apps and email attachments from seemingly harmless messages. Once they take root, the damage from these programs is often severe. Many users have experienced being locked out of their accounts until they pay a ransom fee to the hackers.
To avoid falling victim to phishing attacks or malware, never click on links or email attachments from strangers. Use a search engine to quickly research the person’s and company’s name before sending any responses to unsolicited communication.
Update your devices
Periodically, hardware manufacturers send out operating system patches to plug security holes found in libraries and firmware. You must stay up-to-date to keep your devices running smoothly and keep hackers from exploiting vulnerabilities.
Individual laptop, smartphone, and tablet applications also receive monthly updates. Install these security enhancements as soon as it’s convenient. You may even schedule them overnight so they don’t interrupt your daily routines.
Remember that your internet and cable routers also need regular patching. Even home security cameras, printers, and smart speaker security should be reviewed frequently as they are often overlooked, but equally vulnerable. Outdated hardware devices are easy targets for criminals.
Invest in anti-hacker tools
Installing robust antivirus and malware protection software can help you protect your devices from online threats. These applications scan your systems for malicious files, block potential security gaps, and remove infections before they can wreak havoc on your privacy and steal your data.
Choose software from reputable companies offering real-time protection, defence from ransomware, and automatic updates. Free versions offer basic safeguarding, but premium subscriptions give you advanced features like email scanning and secure browser extensions. Use them to schedule overnight scans to catch anything that may have slipped past your own defenses.
For ultimate cybersecurity, add a strong physical or virtual firewall to block unauthorised network access. Think of it as a deep moat protecting your home and creating a solid defensive foundation.
Educate family about cybersecurity best practices
It’s likely some members of your family without a technical background aren’t aware of how important cybersecurity is for their privacy. Protect your household or company’s anonymity by discussing frequent online threats and how they work.
Encourage everyone to adopt best practices online or when using their smartphones. Remind them to log out of personal accounts on shared and public devices, for instance, at the library or school, especially when accessing sensitive applications such as for online banking and medical resources.
Protect younger family members by using parental access controls provided by device manufacturers and social media platforms. Use kid-friendly cybersecurity resources to help them learn in age-appropriate ways, and supervise especially young children when they use the internet.
