Cyber security awareness is all about keeping end-users informed about the latest cyber security threats and risks, and teaching them how to best protect themselves and their networks. By staying up to date on the latest threats and risks, end-users can help keep their networks safe from harm. And by following best practices for cyber security, they can help mitigate the risks they face.
Further, Cybersecurity is generally broken down into three main categories: – Computer and network security – Information security – Personal, physical and home security. These three distinct parts are all grouped under the broader category of cybersecurity. Information security alone is estimated to be a $170 billion dollar industry.
In this blog post, we would like to share a quick guide containing some of the most practical cybersecurity 24 best practices that we advocate everyone to use, regardless of their role.
In order to best protect your company and its information, it’s important to provide security awareness training to your employees on topics like password security, phishing emails, and social engineering etc. By doing so, you’re helping to ensure that everyone in your organization understands the importance of keeping data safe and is equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to do so.
Password Protection/Security Awareness
The most recent Verizon Data Breach Investigations Report (DBIR) found that approximately 50% of data breaches were caused by stolen passwords. Password security is a huge problem that needs to be addressed immediately. Passwords are the key to our online identities and if they’re not secure, we’re at risk of having our personal information stolen. There are a few things you can do to protect yourself from password theft.
Top 7 Password Management Best Practices
- First, use a strong password that includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols : A strong password is your best defense against hackers who want to crack and break into your system. By using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, you can create a password that will be much more difficult for hackers to guess. Creating strong passwords is essential for protecting your online accounts. A strong password is typically over eight characters in length and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Including a variety of character types makes it more difficult for hackers to guess your password.
- Use Password Encryption Management: Encryption is an important security measure that can help protect your passwords, even if they are stolen by hackers. By encrypting your passwords, you can make it much more difficult for attackers to access your account information.
- Second, change your passwords regularly.
- Third, don’t use the same password for multiple accounts.
- Implement Two-Factor Authentication – Turning Two-factor authentication on is an important security measure for managing access to organizational resources. Two-step verification, also known as two-factor authentication, is an additional layer of security that can be added to your account in the event that your password is stolen. This verification process usually involves the use of a code that is sent to your phone or email address.
By following these simple steps, you can help keep your personal information safe from thieves.
- Avoid downloading pirated software from Warez/Torrent websites. The “Hack Tool” present on sites such as YouTube, Torrent sites, etc., typically contains such malware.
- Use strong passwords and enforce multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
- Enable the automatic software update feature on your computer, mobile, and other connected devices.
- Use a reputed antivirus and internet security software package on your connected devices, including PC, laptop, and mobile.
- Refrain from opening untrusted links and Email attachments without first verifying their authenticity.
- Educate employees on protecting themselves from threats like phishing attacks and untrusted URLs.
- Block URLs that could be used to spread the malware, e.g., Torrent/Warez.
- Monitor the beacon on the network level to block data exfiltration by malware or TAs.
- Enable Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Solutions on the employees’ systems.
- Avoid connecting to public WiFi when possible.
- Avoid public charging stations at airports/malls etc.
- Ensure that your device has a secure biometric ID or a strong passcode if not.
- Avoid working on your personal/non-company-issued device.
- Remove adware from your machines
- Double-check for HTTPS on websites
- Don’t store important information in non-secure places
- Scan external storage devices for viruses
- Back up important data
- Protect access to your critical assets
- Build a robust cybersecurity policy and protected network
- Inform employees about common phishing techniques
- Enable firewall protection at work and at home
- Review your online banking accounts & credit reports regularly for changes
