.png)
In honour of Cyber Awareness Month, our team of security experts has come together to share with you their top tips to keep you safe in today's digital world. From securing your passwords to safeguarding your online privacy, we've got you covered.
Tip #1: Ditch the Repeats
Dorian Marinov, our Technical Lead, kicks things off with a straightforward but often overlooked tip. Reusing your mobile lock screen PIN or password for your financial apps is a significant security risk, but one so commonly done! Imagine someone watching you enter your PIN at a cafe, and then, they steal your phone, giving them access to your financial accounts. To avoid this, wherever possible never reuse your lock screen PIN or password for your mobile financial apps.
Tip #2: Master the Art of Passwords
Lily-May, our Service Delivery Analyst, emphasizes the importance of strong passwords. Her advice is simple yet effective: choose three random words that aren't easily associated with you, avoid personal information, and use a unique combination for each account. This approach makes it easy to remember, and difficult for others to guess and ensures that if one account is compromised, the rest remain secure.
Tip #3: Regularly Update Your Devices
Gareth Stinton, our Cyber Security Specialist, highlights the necessity of keeping your devices up to date. Major software providers release critical updates on a regular schedule. Enable automatic updates whenever possible and restart your devices regularly to apply these updates. Be cautious when charging your devices and ensure they're not easily accessible to others.
Tip #4: Strengthen Your PINs and Passwords
Katie Barnett, our Director of Cyber Security, reminds us not to underestimate the importance of strong PIN codes and passwords. Many people use easily guessable PINs and reuse passwords across multiple accounts, risking their sensitive data. Update your PINs and passwords and consider privacy screens or screen protectors for added security.
Tip #5: Strengthen Security Through Knowledge Sharing
Tracey Gordon, in charge of Business Operations, points out that cyber security is not just about personal security but also about the security of your network. By sharing your knowledge with friends and family, you not only enhance their security but also protect your online presence. Helping others increases security awareness and reduces the information shared about you through other individuals.
Tip #6: Safeguarding Against LinkedIn Phishing
Tara, our Service Delivery Manager, warns of phishing threats on social media, particularly LinkedIn. Cybercriminals often target individuals with fake job offers or file-sharing requests. Exercise caution and verify the authenticity of those reaching out to you on LinkedIn.
Tip #7: Pause, Even When Busy
Lyubo, our IT System Specialist, advises us to pause and verify before taking immediate actions in our fast-paced lives. Cybercriminals rely on our haste to make mistakes. Verify the sender's authenticity, watch for red flags, and think twice before clicking on links or downloading attachments.
Tip #8: Safely Connecting with a VPN
N’yahh Crooks, our Senior IT Analyst, recommends using a VPN to protect your online privacy and security. A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, making it harder for prying eyes to access your online activities. Connect to a trustworthy VPN provider when using public Wi-Fi to ensure your data remains safe.
In today's digital age, cyber security is paramount. By following these eight essential tips, you can significantly enhance your online security. From securing your passwords to practicing caution on social media, each tip will help to protect you.