5 simple cybersecurity rules to follow at home

Much has been written about proper cyber security measures for those working from remote locations.

While remote workers should be aware and educated about precautions to protect against a data breach on their corporate business network, the same applies to those who use their devices primarily for leisure activities.

Taking some necessary precautions doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, there are many simple steps anyone can take at home to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime. These include…

1. Use longer passwords.

Most people use short, easy-to-remember passwords. While seemingly harmless, simple and insecure passwords are one of the most common ways you can be susceptible to a cyber attack.

Passwords that are easy to remember are also easy to hack.

A basic rule of thumb is to use passwords that always contain a combination of upper and lower case letters, as well as numbers. One or two symbols can be added for added security. Also avoid the temptation to write all your passwords down on paper.

2. Create different passwords for different accounts.

Many of us are guilty of using the same password on multiple accounts. Using different passwords adds a high degree of difficulty for any cyber thief trying to break into one or more of your accounts.

Passwords should also be changed regularly. Again, this helps mitigate the damage if a password is stolen, because the hacker won’t have access to all of your other accounts.

3. Avoid posting sensitive information on social networks.

Many people unknowingly reveal private or sensitive information on their public social channels.

Something as simple as posting a photo of you on vacation could prompt someone to break into your home.

Social media accounts should be kept private so only trusted friends and family can see your posts.

Never accept friend requests from people you don’t know, and beware of people who have duplicate accounts.

Also beware of direct messages from friends with strange links or requests for money. If your behavior seems out of the ordinary, or your way of communicating seems different, a hacker could have gained access to your account.

4. Become more deliberate about accepting application privileges.

When a new app is installed on your phone, it often asks for access to certain privileges like your location.

This data collection may be necessary for the app to function, but some apps may be less reliable. Take special care with smaller and less common applications.

Before automatically granting privileges, consider whether the request makes sense. If not, do not grant access. Location sharing privileges are especially risky, as they can reveal where you are to anyone online.

5. Take a proactive approach with antivirus software.

Trusted antivirus software should be installed on all devices. Viruses can get onto your computer in a variety of ways, and good antivirus software will protect them. The goal is to prevent them from wreaking havoc on your system while remaining undetected.

Software must be kept up to date to protect against the latest digital threats. This includes avoiding leaving devices on standby for long periods of time.

Instead, computers must be rebooted and updated periodically. This allows software vendors to update any potential flaws in their system and add the highest level of protection to keep the optimal cybersecurity available.

Creating a series of cybersecurity precautions will protect you and your family, as well as your co-workers and your employer. Cyber ​​attacks can happen at any time, and all it takes is one unintentional mistake to be in serious trouble.