Maintaining Digital hygiene Part2

Recommendations for safe browsing

Take note of these tips to avoid falling into the trap of cybercriminals:

·?? Do?not post personal information?on any social network or platform.

·?? Thoroughly?configure the privacy settings for all social networks?you use, as well as for email providers, subscriptions, etc.

·???Do?not participate in quizzes, online games, or surveys that?ask for personal information.

·???Check the permissions?of the applications you install, especially free ones.

·???Avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi?services.

·???Verify the security of the websites?where you make transactions.

·????Do?not click on suspicious links?from unknown sources or that seem suspicious. If you received them via email, check the sender’s address.

·???Do?not download attachments from emails or text messages that you were not expecting. If the message refers to official organizations or banks and you need clarification on their authenticity, contact them directly before taking any action.

Use this cyber hygiene checklist to ensure you’re keeping yourself protected

To ensure good cyber hygiene, here is a personal cybersecurity checklist you can use pro-actively to make sure you are following best practices:

Keeping passwords safe and secure

·?? I avoid using the same password for different accounts

·???I change my passwords on a regular basis

·???My passwords are at least 12 characters long (and ideally longer)

·???My passwords involve a mix of upper- and lower-case letters plus symbols and numbers

·???My passwords avoid the obvious - such as using sequential numbers (“1234”) or personal information that someone who knows me might guess, such as my date of birth or a pet’s name

·???I change the default passwords on my?Internet of Things (IoT)?devices

·???I avoid writing my passwords down or sharing them with others

·???I use a?password manager?to help generate, store, and manage all my passwords in one secure online account

Ensuring privacy

·?? I don't post private information such as my home address, private pictures, phone number, or credit card numbers publicly on social media

·???I have reviewed my social media privacy settings and made sure they are set to a level I feel comfortable with

·?? I avoid quizzes, games, or surveys on social media that ask for sensitive personal information

·?? I am cautious about the permissions I accept for all the apps I use

·?? I keep my computer and phone locked with a password or PIN

·???I take care not to disclose private information when using?public Wi-Fi

·???I understand that using a?Virtual Private Network or VPN?– especially when using public Wi-Fi – helps to maximize my privacy

·???I make sure any online transactions I make are via a secure website – where the URL starts with https:// rather than https:// and there is a padlock icon to the left of the address bar

·?? I share information about online privacy with family and friends to help keep them safe as well

Avoiding social engineering attacks

·?? I avoid clicking on suspicious links or links I am not sure of

·?? I avoid opening emails that look suspicious

·???I avoid downloading suspicious attachments from emails or text messages I am not expecting

·?? I don't click on ads that promise free money, prizes, or discounts

Using network firewalls

·?? I use a firewall to prevent malicious software from accessing my computer or network via the internet

·?? I ensure my firewall is correctly configured

Encrypting devices

·?? I?encrypt?devices and other media which contain sensitive data – including laptops, tablets, smartphones, removable drives, backup tapes, and cloud storage.

Wiping hard drives

·???Before I dispose of or sell a computer, tablet, or smartphone, I make sure I wipe the hard drive clean to prevent any personal information from being accessed by others.

Ensuring high-quality antivirus protection

·?? I use high-quality antivirus software that scans for and removes computer viruses and other malicious software

·?? I keep my antivirus software up to date

Stay tuned for more information and data saving insights.