Cybersecurity is an increasingly crucial topic as society becomes more and more deeply integrated with the internet. Everything from ordering taxis to ordering furniture, communicating with loved ones, and attending a meeting with your boss is now done online.
While this has the potential to enact a number of positive changes, it also makes the possibility of having your sensitive data stolen all the more likely – and destructive.
One of the best safeguards against cyber-attacks is to ensure all your devices are safe and secure at all times.
Improve the safety of your devices
Here’s what you can do to improve the safety of your devices:
Phishing scams are incredibly effective
One of the best approaches you can take to protecting your devices is to understand what it is you’re protecting them from. Cybersecurity threats are varied and widespread; however, they tend to follow a similar theme. Hackers search continuously for chinks in your security’s armour until it finds a gap and exploits it. These small gaps could be anything from a weak password to a device running without antivirus software.
Also See: 10 Best App Lock For Android and iPhone
As a result, you should do everything you can to eliminate these gaps in your security. It doesn’t mean you have to take drastic measures, only that you should keep on top of your online activity and keep your passwords strong, unique, and safely recorded offline. It is also a good idea to increase your social media accounts’ privacy, eliminate your spam folder regularly, and avoid opening unsolicited emails from strangers. For more information on remaining safe from phishing scams, visit Proofpoint.
Regularly scan your devices, clear unwanted files, and renew antivirus software
Another effective method you can use to improve the safety of your devices is to make sure you have installed comprehensive antivirus software. While this sounds obvious, not all antivirus software covers you properly because there are many threats to protect your device from, including spyware, malware, and even ransomware. Double-check with the provider that you’re fully covered, and negotiate a deal to get all your devices fully covered – including your phones and tablets.
Once this is done, you should regularly keep on top of your security by running regular scans and clearing out unwanted or redundant files. Quite apart from preventing cyber-attacks, it is a good habit to get into and prevents your devices from becoming clogged with excess files.
Make sure you know who you’re expecting a message from
A further way you can use to improve the safety of your devices is to know who you’re expecting a message from. If a random person on your Facebook friends list messages you with a tempting offer or asks a suspicious favour, this is likely a hack of some kind. Similarly, if your bank emails you demanding instant payment, you can be sure this is a phishing scam.
Always double-check with the third party by contacting them using another means (the most trustworthy approach would be to call them). This way, you can rest easy knowing whether it really was a scam or not.
