Cybersecurity

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to damage or access the information of individuals or organizations. They can have various goals and methods, such as stealing data, extorting money, disrupting services, or influencing opinions. They can also target different entities, such as individuals, businesses, governments, or critical infrastructures. Cyberattacks can pose serious threats to the security, privacy, and well-being of the victims, as well as the stability and prosperity of the society.

Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting ourselves and our systems from cyberattacks. Researchers estimate that cyberattacks happen an average of every 39 seconds. Therefore, it is important to review how to avoid phishing scams, social engineering, and unsafe attachments that could expose us to a costly and painful data breach or malware infection.

Here are some tips to enhance your cybersecurity:

• When you receive external emails, never click on links or open attachments. If you think the email is legitimate, go to the site and log on directly. If the email claims to be from a retailer or a collection agency, do not give out your personal information. Instead, contact them directly using their official website or phone number.
• Set secure passwords and don’t share them with anyone. Avoid using common words, phrases, or personal information and update them regularly.
• Keep your operating system, browser, anti-virus software, and other critical software up to date. Security updates and patches are available free of charge from major companies.
• Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) whenever possible. MFA is a second layer of protection that requires you to verify your identity with something you have (such as a phone or a token) or something you are (such as a fingerprint or a face scan).
• Be careful about what you post online. Ask yourself if it might make you interesting to cyber criminals. Don’t reveal too much personal or professional information that could be used against you.
• Don’t be tricked by social engineering. This is the number one way people are compromised and the bad guys play heavily on deception and the exploitation of trust. Always verify the authenticity of requests or offers from unknown sources before taking any action.

Stay safe and secure online! ??