Good digital hygiene is important both at home and at work. A single compromised account or device could result in someone gaining access to your devices or accounts. If this is done maliciously, that means that someone could lead an attack on your data by stealing files, cracking passwords, hacking accounts, or worse.
These threats could come at home, at work, or traveling in between. Threats could include social engineering, website malware, malicious emails, social networking scams, cyber harassment, and hacked accounts or devices. It’s imperative that all Internet users understand these threats and practice good digital hygiene on a daily basis.
Good digital hygiene is your responsibility if you choose to use these digital texts and tools. You cannot assume that the device or software manufacturers will make sure you’re safe online. You also cannot assume that your Internet service provider, or the services you use at the workplace will ensure your digital hygiene.
Below are some tips for staying safe online.
Understanding the differences between privacy and security (Two minutes) Read up and educate yourself about the differences between these two topics, and why they are important.
Take control of your passwords (Thirty minutes) Set aside a short block of time to review your passwords and set up a system to keep track of everything.
Use two factor authentication (Thirty minutes) Add two factor authentication to your accounts, services, and apps if available to add a layer of protection on top of your passwords.
Back up your information and devices (Sixty minutes) Identify the best product or service to back up your data. Set it up, and let it run. Make sure it will keep running throughout the year.
Clean up your browser extensions (Fifteen minutes) One of the unseen threats includes the extensions and plugins that we use to modify webpages in our browser.
Examine your social logins (Twenty minutes) We often use social logins for each of use as we work and play online. Take a look and revoke access if not needed or used.
Protect your connection to the Internet (Twenty minutes) Take a long look at the ways in which you connect to the Internet. This may involve updating or upgrading your router. This may involve using a VPN to protect yourself online.
Encrypt your devices (Twenty minutes) Make sure your devices are protected and encrypted so no one can access your data if they have physical access.
Once again, you need to take responsibility for your privacy and security in online spaces. You cannot trust or assume that someone will take care of this for you. You need to stay informed, active, and vigilant.
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