Cybersecurity has come to the forefront of computing since there have been numerous publicized attacks on public and private computer systems over the past few years. Cybersecurity officers need to be agile and ready to combat any new threat that may come from bad actors around the world.
Smart Eye Technology®, an innovator in the field of cybersecurity, provides guidelines on the 10 things you should never do if you want to preserve the integrity of your systems and machines.
- Never Write Down or Duplicate a Password
Never write down a password, especially on a Post-It stuck to your monitor. This makes breaking into your machine comically easy. You should also never use the same password for multiple sites.Instead, try using a secure password manager like LastPass. This system will enable you to create strong passwords and store them securely in the cloud so you can access them from any machine. The only problem with these systems is that you will need to remember the master password or you will not be able to get your data back.
- Do Not Leave Your Machine Unattended
Whether you are working on a phone, laptop, tablet, or desktop machine, do not leave it unattended. Most computers and personal tech have the capability of locking themselves after you have not used them for a few minutes. Use this capability daily. - Don’t Fail to Activate Phone-Finding Software
You will want to make sure that you have enabled software like Find My iPhone to locate your phone or tablet if you have lost it. You can also remotely erase the phone or tablet if it is stolen, preserving your data security. - Do Not Click Suspicious Links
Phishing and malware are serious cybersecurity problems. Phishing emails try to duplicate a trusted website so that you will input your personal data. They are usually interested in getting your Social Security number or credit card information, but they may also ask for information like your mother’s maiden name and your place of birth as an effort to get access to your bank accounts.Malware is downloaded when you click on suspicious links. These programs often run in the background without anyone the wiser. They can siphon off your personal and financial information.
- Do Not Go Without Anti-Virus Software
Some computer users may neglect anti-virus software because they feel that they are not doing anything dangerous on their machines. This level of complacency can be dangerous for your computer and for your personal information, inviting fraud, identity theft, and the destruction of your data.Be sure to keep your anti-virus subscriptions up-to-date, and be sure that your program is downloading new virus and malware definitions on a regular basis. Dozens of new threats are exposed each day.
- Do Not Forget Your Operating System
Make sure that you are always updating your operating system, whether it is on a phone, tablet, or PC. You can set up automatic downloads for this information and take the guesswork out of updating your computer. New OS updates can help your computer become more secure as new threats are discovered. This is especially important for Apple products. - Do Not Save Banking Information
On your phone, tablet, or laptop, do not save sensitive banking information. You should always enter your password and credit card information each time you use them, rather than relying on your computer to store the data. You can also store this information in your secure password manager if you prefer. - Don’t Forget Two-Factor Identification
Two-factor identification is a great way to make sure your data is secure. This means that when you enter your password, there will also be a code sent to another device like your phone. This is especially useful if you are logging into a secure site like your bank or favorite shopping platform. - Don’t Forget Phone Calls
Another avenue in which your cybersecurity could be jeopardized is by phone. This may be surprising, but bad actors could call pretending to be someone in your company in an effort to gain access to your data. When you receive a call like this, email them to verify that they are legitimate. This may be a clumsy way of getting information, but the gullibility of some computer users means that it still works. - Don’t Forget to Shred
Even though most of your sensitive information is on your computer, it is vital to keep shredding printed copies. For example, you should not put bank statements, credit card offers, or any other personally sensitive information in the recycling without shredding it first.
Taking Care of Your Cybersecurity
When you are careful to avoid these ten dangerous activities, you will have a better handle on your own cybersecurity. Taking into account all of the ways that your personal or company information can be misused, you should take this problem seriously.
Smart Eye Technology® reminds computer users that their security is only as good as their password. Above all, never write down or reuse a password. These steps will help to protect your personal as well as your business data.
