Today, it is crucial to do everything we can to stay safe online. One of the best ways to do this is by developing cybersecurity habits, not just occasional practices. 

Start implementing these habits into your daily routine to protect yourself from cybercriminals. 

Pay Attention to Links and Attachments 

You should always think twice before clicking an unsolicited link or attachment — even if it looks like it’s coming from someone you know. By verifying a link’s authenticity, you can safeguard yourself from falling victim to phishing attempts or malware infections that could compromise personal information and digital security. 

Create Strong Passwords

Having strong passwords acts as a barrier against unauthorized access, hacking attempts and identity theft. By incorporating a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and special characters, you can significantly enhance the complexity of your passwords, making them more resistant to attacks and password-cracking tools. Additionally, be sure that your passwords are unique and not reused across multiple accounts. This mitigates the risk of one compromised account leading to a domino effect of security breaches. It’s also a good practice to change your passwords often. Consider using a Password Manager to help you keep track of your passwords. 

Use Multi-Factor Authentication 

Alongside having a strong password, you should also have Multi-factor Authentication (MFA) turned on. MFA, sometimes known as “Two-Step Verification,” is an authentication method that requires a user to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to an account. This can often include receiving a text message or email to verify your identity. 

Choose Secure Networks

You should always use trusted internet connections when browsing online, such as your home service or connection provided by your wireless carrier. Public networks are often unsecured wireless networks and can allow cyber criminals access to your internet-enabled devices. 

Keep Your Devices Up to Date

Manufacturers continuously release updates to address vulnerabilities found in their products. Automatic updates streamline this process for various devices, such as computers, phones, and tablets. However, manual updates may be necessary for certain devices. It is also crucial to exclusively apply updates from official manufacturer websites and built-in application stores. Third-party sites and applications are often unreliable and can potentially lead to device infections. 

Back Up Important Files

Unforeseen events such as hardware failures, malware attacks or accidental deletions can result in the permanent loss of valuable data. That’s why it is important to regularly back up online files. Backing up files also provides an added layer of protection against ransomware attacks, where malicious actors encrypt files and demand a ransom for their release. 

Stay Informed

Keep an eye on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Educate yourself on common scams, phishing techniques, and social engineering tactics. Be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or phone calls, and avoid sharing sensitive information unless you are certain of the recipient’s identity and legitimacy. Regularly updating your knowledge on cybersecurity trends can help keep you one step ahead of potential threats. A great way to do this is to follow TNTMAX on our social media sites (Facebook & Instagram) where we regularly post about cybersecurity. 

For more information on staying safe online call TNTMAX at (201) 891-8686, email us at [email protected].