By Amer Owaida
As we’re entering 2020, we’re also plotting out our
New Year’s resolutions. Instead of suggesting what you should do next year,
however, let’s have a look at some cybersecurity mistakes you should avoid for
a more secure 2020.
Denying you
are a target
You’ve probably already brushed off this possibility
with contempt, thinking the chances are slim to none. To quote Dwight from The
Office, “False”. When it comes to the internet, you cannot anticipate if a
breach will directly affect you. New malware may appear or a service that you
use may get hacked and your password can be leaked. All of these are
probabilities that you should be aware of, and prevention can go a long way in
securing your connected presence.
Clicking on
suspicious links
Receiving spam has become a part of everyday life.
Sometimes it’s just a harmless ad, but every now and then it can be something
more sinister. You might get an email coaxing you to click on a suspicious link
to claim a prize you’ve won. Or an offer that sounds too good to pass up might
appear in an ad. Whatever the case, if you have even a shred of doubt about it:
avoid clicking on it at all costs. The link just may contain
malware that may wreak all
kinds of havoc on your computer.
Failing to
patch
Is your computer nagging you for the umpteenth time
to install that pesky update? Perhaps the latest patch for your smartphone’s OS
has been released. You’ve probably hit the postpone button more times than
you’ve snoozed your alarm. We can’t speak to your sleeping habits, but you
should always keep
your devices updated to the
latest version of software available. It will probably save you from a headache
in the long run. The infamous WannaCryptor malware spread due to devices not being patched.
Recycling
your passwords
To simplify the arduous task of memorizing scores
of passwords, some people resort to recycling. This means that they reuse the
same password or passphrase, perhaps varying a character or two or by adding
upon it. This practice should
be avoided. If the bad
actors figure out one of your passwords, password reuse allows them to
guess the rest of your passwords.
Not using 2FA
Two-factor
authentication (2FA), also known
as multifactor authentication (MFA), is a simple way to add an extra layer of
security to your accounts. The most common 2FA method used by popular online
services is a text message with an authentication code sent to your phone. It
is one of the most basic methods but use at least this one if you have no other
option. If bad actors are missing one piece of the puzzle, they cannot get in
until they overcome that hurdle, which might make them look for an easier
challenge elsewhere.
Ignoring your
router setup
When it comes to home interconnectivity, the router
is the heart of your home. All your devices with an internet connection are
linked to it, be it your smart TV, smartphone, personal computer or laptop. For
convenience’s sake, a lot of people just go through the bare necessities when
installing it or keep the default settings pre-configured by your ISP. You
should always take steps
to secure your router, so you can
browse the internet safely.
Using
unsecured public Wi-Fi
Most places like cafes, restaurants, and even shops
offer complimentary Wi-Fi connections, which is a welcome alternative to using
up your precious data plan. As convenient as such free connections might be,
you should be careful what you connect to. An unsecured
public Wi-Fi can
lead to your private data being stolen or your device being hacked.
Disregarding
VPN
Besides using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to
connect to your work’s servers, there are other security reasons to use one in
private. You can use VPNs to access your home network remotely or to limit your
ISP from seeing what you are doing, or to browse
safely on public Wi-Fi. Depending
on what you want to do, there are various
types of VPNs you can
choose from to protect your communication.
Skimping on
security software
The internet is a useful tool, no doubt, but to
paraphrase G.R.R. Martin, it can be dark and full of terrors. Granted, this
leans towards hyperbole, but you should always use reputable security software
to protect your data. Clicking on the wrong link might lead to malicious code
making its way to your computer. Security
software provides multiple
layers that can stop these threats in their tracks. Prevention is the mother of
security; athletes in contact sports use mouthguards as a preventive measure
because fixing their teeth is more expensive than protecting them. The same goes for your data.
Underestimating backup and
encryption
If, due to some unforeseen circumstances, your
computer kicks the can, having
a backup comes in handy.
Always back up your sensitive data and things you have been working on
recently; thus, if something does happen, you can continue unhindered by the
unfortunate loss of your device. The same goes for encryption. Never
underestimate the value of having
your data encrypted: if you get
hacked, the bad actor will have a tough time getting to your data; if your
device gets stolen, you have an extra layer of security in place before you
remotely wipe it.
If you just counted ten tips and not twenty, you
would be right. So stay tuned, as tomorrow we’ll continue with tips that will
be geared towards smartphones.