Cyber Hygiene: Maintaining a Healthy Digital World
I’m not in the business of selling cybersecurity as self care, or encouraging aesthetic ASMR videos of people cleaning their phones and devices (though I do kind of want to see that now).
However, I do believe that a tidy home, helps a tidy mind, and today a lot of our ‘home’ does sit on our devices, whether it’s our life admin, address books, photo albums or office space.
Just as you might do a spring clean and reorganise your sock drawer, or building intuitive habits like your skincare routine, I suggest we do the same for our devices. This not only helps with peace of mind but massively boosts cybersecurity through proper data disposal, password upgrades and building conscious awareness of taking care of you and your business online
Essential Digital Hygiene Practices
1. Regular Updates: Keep your devices and applications updated. Updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.
2. Strong Passwords: Use strong and unique passwords for each of your online accounts. A strong password is long, complex, and uses a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a reputable password manager to store your passwords securely.
3. Two-Factor Authentication: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your accounts whenever possible. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or fingerprint, in addition to your password.
4. Careful Sharing: Be mindful of the information you share online. Personal information, such as your home address, phone number, and birth date, can be used by cybercriminals for identity theft.
5. Safe Browsing: Bookmark secure and trusted websites, especially when making online purchases or sharing personal information. Look for 'https' in the website URL, which indicates that the site uses encryption to protect your data.
6. Regular Backups: Regularly back up your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage. This protects your data in the event of a device failure or a cyberattack and allows you to restore your data from the backup.
7. Antivirus Software: Use reliable antivirus software to protect your devices from malware. Scan your devices regularly and keep your antivirus software updated.
8. Privacy Settings: Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts and adjust them to control who can see your posts and personal information.
9. Phishing Awareness: Be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or calls that ask for personal information or urge you to click on a link. These could be phishing attempts. Even if you skip them in your inbox scroll, report and delete them through your mailbox provider.
10. Digital Detox: Consider taking regular breaks from your devices. This can help reduce digital overload and improve your mental well-being.
Practicing good digital hygiene helps maintain the health of your online presence and protect your personal information. Remember, your digital wellness is almost as important as your physical wellness, so take time to clean up and protect your digital life.