In this day and age, many of our assets are more digital than physical, and we need to make a concerted effort to protect our digital data and possessions, especially since South Africa now has the third-highest number of cybercrime victims in the world.
The reality is that cyber criminality extends far beyond backing up our data. We need to not only protect ourselves against cyber criminals by protecting our digital possessions, but we also need to ensure we are up to date with the latest technology and software to avoid falling victim to any form of cyberattack. Here are 6 recommendations on how to get cyber-savvy:
Backup important files now
All your important files stored on your laptop or desktop computer should be backed up regularly in the cloud and on external hard drives. Anything of value to you that would be devastating to lose or irrecoverable should be backed up.
Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Use multifactor authentication on all of your accounts, including email, social media, shopping, and financial services, for extra protection. When you sign in, you will be asked to confirm your identity through a text message, email, or code.
Update everything, including software
Update antivirus and malware software, operating systems, and applications, especially web browsers, on all devices including mobile phones, tablets, desktop computers, and laptops. Turning on automatic updates is a great way to ensure you don’t miss any manual updates.
PriceCheck tip: Keeping your electronic devices up to date is important to maintain cyber security. While you may not need the latest and greatest, having a more recent laptop or notebook is important, as the newer models come with additional security software and measures, such as biometric login capabilities. Shop a wide range of laptops and notebooks on PriceCheck.
Think before you click
Before clicking or tapping on links or attachments or downloading files, take a moment. Most attacks start with a phishing email, which looks legitimate but isn’t and can be used to steal your passwords, identification details, and credit card numbers or to run malicious software known as malware.
Use strong, unique passwords
Protect all of your online account credentials by using strong passwords and never reuse them. Password managers are a great way to generate and store unique passwords for all your accounts.
Use a VPN on public internet
At work, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). It provides an additional layer of protection between your devices and the internet by hiding your IP address and your location. It also encrypts your data. At home, make sure your home WiFi is password protected and secure to keep people from stealing your personal information and attacking your devices.
PriceCheck tip: If you’re looking for great internet-boosting accessories, such as WiFi extenders and routers, check out PriceCheck’s listings to find a deal that suits your budget.
