Cyber hygiene is an essential part of being online; it’s like brushing your teeth but for your online life.
Good cyber habits help keep you safe from hackers on the internet. Let’s check some easy ways to stay safe online in 2025.
What is Cyber Hygiene?
Cyber hygiene means the care you give to your online stuff, including keeping your devices and information clean and safe. Like washing your hands, good cyber behaviour stops digital germs like viruses and hackers.
Why is it Important?
Criminals online are always trying new tricks to get your info or mess up your gadgets. Good cyber hygiene stops them by keeping your online stuff private and your devices working well.
How Can You Improve Your Passwords?
Passwords are like keys to your online home; you want them to be strong. Here are some tips to keep your passwords strong:
Use Long Passwords: Longer passwords are more challenging to guess. Try using a phrase or a sentence. For example, “On Fridays I eat pizza!” is a good password.
Mix it Up: Use different types of characters – mix in numbers, symbols, and both big and small letters. “I<3EatingPizza0nFridays!” is even better.
Don’t Reuse Passwords: Use a unique password for each account. If someone steals one, the others stay safe.
Why Should You Update Your Software?
Updating your software is like getting a flu shot – it protects you from new threats. Here’s why it’s important:
Fix Security Holes
Updates usually fix problems in your software. Bad guys can use these holes to get in, and updating your software closes these holes.
Get New Features
Updates can also give you new cool stuff, like your apps may work better or have more functionality.
Set Automatic Updates
Turn on automatic updates when you can, so it’s one less thing you don’t have to remember to do.
How Does Two-Factor Authentication Work?
Two-factor authentication is like putting extra locks on your door, it will make it harder for bad guys to break in. Here’s how it works:
What is 2FA?
2FA needs two things to prove it’s you. One is usually your password, and the other might be a code sent to your phone or your fingerprint.
Why Use 2FA?
If someone steals your password, they still can’t get in if they don’t have the second thing, like your phone or fingerprint. It’s much safer.
Where to Use 2FA
Use 2FA on all your accounts where it’s available, including email, banking, and even social media.
Are You Being Careful on Public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi can be very dangerous. It’s like yelling a secret in a crowded place – anyone could listen. Here’s how to stay safe:
Using a VPN: A VPN is like a secret tunnel to the internet. It keeps your information private, even on public Wi-Fi.
Avoid Sensitive Tasks: Don’t do banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi. Wait until you’re on a safe network before entering banking details.
Turn Off Auto-Connect: Don’t let your device connect to any Wi-Fi network by itself, as it might connect to a fake and bad network.
How To Identify Phishing Scams?
Phishing is when a bad guy tries to trick you into giving away your information. Here’s how to avoid the hook:
Check the Sender
Look closely at who sent the message. Scammers often use names that look real but aren’t.
Don’t Click Any Suspicious Links
If a link looks weird, don’t click it. Instead, hover your mouse over the link to see a preview of where it will go.
Be Wary of Urgent Messages
Scammers often say you need to act fast; real companies rarely do this. Visiting a company’s website directly rather than through a link will always be a safer option.
Are You Backing Up Your Data?
Backing up is like making copies of your important papers. If a disaster happens, you don’t lose everything. Here’s why it’s important:
Against Ransomware
Ransomware can lock up your files. With backups, you can tell them to go away as you already have uncorrupted copies ready to continue.
Recover from Accidents
Sometimes, we delete things by mistake. Backups let you get them back.
Use the 3-2-1 Rule
Keep 3 copies of your data on 2 different types of storage, with 1 copy off-site.
How Often You Should Review Your Privacy Settings?
Your privacy settings are like curtains on your windows. They let you control what others see, so you should check them often.
Schedule It: Check your privacy settings every few months. Write it down on a calendar or schedule it in your diary so you don’t forget.
Check All Your Accounts: Don’t forget about old accounts. If you don’t use them, close them.
Limit What You Share: Only share what you need to. The less you share, the safer you are.
Are You Teaching Your Family About Cyber Safety?
Cyber safety is for everyone in your family. It’s like teaching kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Here’s how to spread the knowledge:
Make it Fun
Use games or tell stories to teach about cyber safety; this makes it easier to remember.
Lead by Example
Show good cyber habits to your family. They learn by watching what you do.
Talk About Online Experiences
Have open talks about what happens online. Education and knowledge keep everyone in your house safe.
Want to Level Up Your Cyber Hygiene?
Good cyber hygiene will protect you from online bad guys in 2025. Use strong passwords, update your software, and be careful on public Wi-Fi. Watch out for phishing scams, always back up your data, check your privacy settings, and teach your family about online safety.
Want to know more about staying safe online? We can help!
Contact us for more tips on cyber hygiene – let’s make your online life easier and safer together.