The line between our offline and online lives has become vague. This network of connections continues to create both challenges and opportunities for individuals and organizations globally. With regards to Cyber Security, it is vital to point out the ways in which internet-connected devices have impacted our lives and give measures to take in reducing their risks.
We have different kinds of devices that we use to connect to various networks such as phones, tablets, and PCs. These devices have different levels of protection at home when accessed through public Wi-Fi and at our places of work. Some of these networks are well protected while others may lack any protection at all.
Each of these networks could be a target for cyber-criminals, putting individuals, and sensitive information at risk. Among the sensitive information accessed using these networks include; Bank accounts, social media account credentials, online shopping, and retail services, Government services, health, and medical services corporate accounts, business applications, and Intellectual Property.
These devices are making our lives easier, however, they’re also exposing us to different kinds of new threats. This is mainly because they are all network-connected, thus send and receive information to and from the internet. It is therefore important to take heed of the following best cybersecurity practices;
- Use Antivirus, VPNs, and firewalls to keep your devices protected from viruses, malware, and to protect and encrypt your connection to the internet.
- Ensure that all your applications are up to date with the latest versions and that they provide some level of security or encryption if they are used to access sensitive data.
- Keep your web browsers patched and up to date.
- Practice safe web surfing such as checking for use of ‘HTTPS’ instead of ‘HTTP’ when visiting websites. The use of HTTPS is secure and is usually indicated with a padlock next to the web address.
- Ensure that your device’s operating system is patched and up to date.
- Be keen to know when a certain version of the operating system is no longer being supported in order to stop using it.
- It is important to be cautious about what you access, where you access it from, and what device is accessing it with.
