Being on the internet all day makes you susceptible to cyberattacks and data theft. You may not even notice it but you’re putting a lot of personal data and information online, possibly putting your internet privacy at risk.
This is where cybersecurity comes in. To put it simply, it’s making sure that there are no unauthorized access to any of your data and accounts online. Cybersecurity is your protection against hacking and data theft.
While we do have a Cybersecurity Law in the Philippines in place, you still have to make sure that you’re a knowledgeable and practical internet user by following these cybersecurity measures regularly:
1. Use secure passwords
A lot of the time, 8 characters won’t be enough. Try to aim for the 12-character mark with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters when it comes to creating passwords. Use different passwords for each platform whenever possible.
Keep your passwords safe and do not share your passwords to others. Another big no-no is writing your password down on a post-it right beside your office monitor. Consider using 2-step verification for an extra layer of security or a password vault to keep track of your passwords.
2. Use biometrics to secure devices
A lot of new devices have tighter built-in security measures in them to help protect your cybersecurity and data privacy even further.
The Samsung Galaxy Note 9 is a phone you should check out if you’re looking for a mobile device with a fingerprint sensor. You can also check out the Huawei P20 for a face-unlock mode of security too. These two mobile devices are available at SM Cyberzones nationwide.
3. Click safely
When you see a link that looks suspicious or out of place to you, whether from a private message on social media, or a text on your mobile phone, practice restraint and don’t click on it.
Always double-check the URL that you’re about to click. Only click on links from sources you know and trust. Check if the spelling is right and if it isn’t out of context.
4. Be aware of the information you share
Sure, it’s fun filling out your About Me section on social networking sites but remember that a lot of people online have access to this, some of them might have malicious intent.
Minimize sharing sensitive information like your current location, place of work, and even plans for vacation. They can be used against you so make sure you’re always cautious and thinking about your cyber security.
5. Read requests for access and terms and conditions
You know you’re guilty of clicking that check mark indicating that you agree to the terms and conditions you’ve just read without actually reading.
A lot of the apps, social media networks, and even games that you use daily surprisingly have a lot of access to private information stored on your laptops and mobile phones because you let them. While the information these parties gain are usually used to tailor ads specifically for you, malicious parties can gain access to sensitive accounts like your credit cards, bank accounts, and personal e-mails if they get their hands on your data.
6. Keep your software and operating systems up to date
Now that you have a device secured with a passcode, make sure that it’s optimized and updated. Using an outdated software or operating system might leave you exposed to vulnerabilities, malware and cyberattacks.
It doesn’t matter whether you use iOS or Android on your mobile device or Mac or PC for your computers, you need to make sure you’re using the latest updates.
7. Back up your files regularly
Sometimes, even when you’re very careful and cautious of what you do online, there’s still a risk of being cyberattacked. When that happens and your cybersecurity is compromised, the only guarantee to repair your computer is to reformat your hard drive, erasing all the data and files you have there.
You can store your files in trusty hard drives that you can get in SM Cyberzone, eliminating the risk of your files being accessed through an online network.
1. Use secure passwords
A lot of the time, 8 characters won’t be enough. Try to aim for the 12-character mark with a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters when it comes to creating passwords. Use different passwords for each platform whenever possible.
Keep your passwords safe and do not share your passwords to others. Another big no-no is writing your password down on a post-it right beside your office monitor. Consider using 2-step verification for an extra layer of security or a password vault to keep track of your passwords.
