Cyber security has become one of the main priorities in the last couple of years, not only for big companies but for ordinary people too. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, almost all the work had to be done online, which led to many cyber frauds and thefts, as people were not prepared for that. Now, at the beginning of 2024, it is important to remind ourselves of the importance of reducing cyber risk as much as possible.
Choose Long Passwords
Experts recommend using passwords that are at least ten characters long and include upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. We can use a phrase as a password (never personal information such as names or dates), but it is important that it has a minimum of 10 characters. A cyberattacker, through software, can crack short passwords in up to 30 seconds. So, the longer the password, the more difficult it is to crack. Also, it is recommended to change passwords at least every 3 months. It is also important not to save your passwords on your browser because browsers can be targeted by cybercriminals to take over your accounts. It is also essential to keep your private data to yourself and to be very careful with the information you share online. On social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter, it is more common for users not to publish personal data such as telephone numbers or addresses, but there are others, such as LinkedIn, a professional community site where people upload job applications, sometimes with sensitive information.
Use Password Manager
Also, one of the most common mistakes that users make is using the same password to access different services and applications. Given how difficult it can be for users to remember a password for each account, the specialists recommend using the best password manager. It is a program in which you can save different passwords while having a master password. If you want to use one of your passwords, you only have to open your manager, put in your master password, and it automatically shows you the others. If you want to do it for free, it’s best to start using KeePass because it is easy to install and use. The experts say that if you want to strengthen your security, in addition to a long and complex password, the ideal is to implement a double authentication factor in your social networks, banking services, and services such as WhatsApp. It is a two-step verification system offered by many digital services today as an extra security measure. Most services already have this second authentication factor, which can be a number that is constantly changing, like a 6-digit code that is changing, both for social networks and for emails.
Don´t Trust Anyone
It is recommended that users remain alert at all times, and it is preferable not to trust the recipient or sender of the information since it is common for cybercriminals to use false identities to deceive their victims. You have to be a little skeptical about what information is shared, for what purpose, and with whom it is shared. For example, in the emails you receive, you have to verify the entity from whom the information is being sent. Always identify the sender, especially if it is an email or information that you are not expecting. It is also important to avoid following links from emails, as they can lead to fake, insecure websites or the downloading of malicious software. Even if it takes a little more work, type the URL of a site directly into the browser. Regarding the Internet, the specialist said that open Wi-Fi networks that are commonly offered free of charge in public places, such as shopping malls, parks, airports, etc., should be avoided. Also, make sure you avoid dodgy websites and only use the ones that are 100% reliable, such as ArabianBetting, for instance, where all their online gambling reviews are carried out by experts who love playing, and therefore know exactly what and who they can trust. The site covers information about the legality of online gambling, especially in Middle Eastern countries where gambling is strictly prohibited, as well as the safety and security of your money.
Last but not least, make sure you save all your information in secure storage spaces in the cloud as a backup for any possible setbacks.
