Ten cyber hygiene mistakes that put your company at risk

Cyber ​​hygiene encompasses all practices and measures taken to prevent your accounts and devices from becoming vulnerable to cyber threats. It’s about keeping your digital identity clean and understanding the real-life consequences neglecting it can bring. In this article, the Cyber ​​Express (TCE) team will highlight common cyber hygiene mistakes that compromise hygiene.

These mistakes can range from overlooked steps, such as using password managers, firewalls, and VPNs, to ignoring seemingly basic practices, such as regular software updates and creating strong passwords. Continue reading to find out how these actions can significantly impact your cybersecurity:

Common Cyber ​​Hygiene Mistakes

Ignore software updates

Software updates include new patches for security vulnerabilities discovered since the last update. Ignoring these updates exposes systems to potential attacks that exploit known weaknesses. Hackers attack outdated software because the vulnerabilities are public knowledge. Regularly updating all software, including operating systems and applications, is essential to maintaining security. Automatic updates are effective in ensuring that software stays up to date without relying on manual checks.

Lack of good email and phishing practices

Email remains a common target for cyber attacks such as phishing and malware distribution. Clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious sources may compromise data security. Phishing emails often look legitimate, but their goal is to steal sensitive information. Use caution by verifying senders’ identities, looking for suspicious domain names or altered spelling, and using spam filtering tools. Avoid sharing personal information via email to prevent identity theft and fraud.

Use weak and guessable passwords

Weak passwords like “password123” are easily guessed or cracked using automated tools, posing a significant security risk. Reusing passwords across multiple accounts amplifies this risk: if one account is compromised, others that share the password become vulnerable. Create strong passwords with a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers, and special characters not related to personal information. Consider using password managers to generate and securely store complex passwords.

Neglecting antivirus and antimalware programs

Antivirus and antimalware software are essential for detecting and removing malicious software that can compromise data security. Failure to install or update these programs leaves devices vulnerable to viruses, ransomware, and spyware. Regular scans and real-time protection features mitigate potential infections and protect against cyber threats.

Do not implement two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification method, such as a code sent to a phone or facial recognition, in addition to a password. Ignoring 2FA leaves accounts dependent solely on passwords, vulnerable if passwords are compromised. Enable 2FA when available, especially for accounts containing sensitive information, to improve security.

Not backing up data

Regular data backups are crucial to protect against data loss due to hardware failure, malware, or accidental deletion. Backups stored in multiple locations, including external drives or cloud services, ensure that data can be restored if the primary source is compromised. Automated backup solutions simplify this process and minimize the risk of significant data loss.

Using unsecured Wi-Fi networks

Public or unsecured Wi-Fi networks expose transmitted data to interception by cybercriminals. Hackers can easily capture login credentials, personal information, and financial data transmitted over these networks. Avoid accessing sensitive accounts or financial transactions over public Wi-Fi. Use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt Internet connections and protect data transmission. Ensure home Wi-Fi networks are protected with strong passwords and encryption protocols.

Do not use firewalls

Firewalls prevent unauthorized access between devices and the Internet, which is essential for blocking external threats, such as hackers trying to breach systems. Both hardware and software firewalls monitor and control network traffic based on predefined security rules. Enable firewalls on all connected devices, including computers and routers, to strengthen network security against external threats.

Neglecting device encryption

Device encryption converts data into unreadable codes, protecting it from unauthorized access if devices are lost or stolen. Ignoring encryption leaves sensitive information vulnerable to exploitation by anyone who gains physical access to the devices. Enable built-in encryption tools offered by modern operating systems to ensure data remains secure from unauthorized access.

Sharing excessive information on social networks

Sharing too much personal data on social media increases vulnerability to social engineering attacks and identity theft. Information such as birth dates, addresses, and family names can be exploited to guess weak passwords or create personalized phishing attacks. Protect yourself by limiting personal information shared online, adjusting your privacy settings, and being wary of friend requests from strangers.

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