Cybersecurity Awareness: How To Stay Safe Online

Cyber security, which is sometimes called information technology (IT) security, is the practice of keeping data networks and devices safe from internal and external cyberattacks. This typically involves a range of tools and methodologies like testing, ethical hacking, diligence and cyber security awareness practices such as smart password management that individuals and organizations can use to avoid being victimized by a cyberattack. 

Another aspect of cyber security is consumer education. As consumers enjoy the convenience of shopping, browsing, paying bills and socializing through internet-connected devices, it’s important to learn how to stay safe online.

Data systems and computer networks in ecommerce, healthcare, banking and other pillars of our global economy depend on the safe, secure and efficient operation of computer networks. When a data system is breached by a cyberattack, the result can be a catastrophic loss of data, theft of sensitive consumer, financial or medical information, the loss of revenue or paralysis of a system causing a substantial financial loss to those affected.

According to a roundup of cyber security statistics by the antivirus software maker Norton:

Staying safe online begins by following some basic cyber security tips. Here are a few simple steps that you can implement without technical knowledge or cyber security experience. 

Keeping personal information secure is vital to good cyber hygiene. Cyber security tips to help prevent identity theft and protect your personal information include:

You may have heard the term Multi-Factor Authentication with regard to secure log-in procedures. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is a type of multi-factor authentication requiring two different identification types before granting log-in access. Whenever possible, use two-factor authentication log-in options on online platforms where you shop, do your banking or pay bills.

When learning how to stay safe online, it’s important to know that Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops, airports, hotels and other public places are convenient, but according to consumer protection advice from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), they are often not secure. New hacking tools make it easy for a hacker to hijack your session and log in as you, giving them access to your personal information. The FTC offers these steps to protect your personal information when using public Wi-Fi networks:

A computer running without antivirus or antimalware software or a strong firewall is an open invitation to cybercriminals. Malware (shorthand for malicious software) performs unwanted and malicious actions that affect your computer’s performance and data, and can be downloaded unintentionally through emails or cleverly disguised download offers on websites. Antivirus software generally works in several ways: detecting viruses and malicious code in computer systems, removing them and preventing them from infecting your computer in the future. 

Viruses can cause trouble in several ways:

It’s good practice to use strong passwords that contain a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers and special characters, and do not contain information that hackers could easily guess, such as your street address. Don’t use the same password for more than one account, since that would give a successful hacker access to multiple sources of personal information, compounding the damage caused by an intrusion.

Viruses and malware are often spread through links in email messages. Is that message really from someone you know? Even if it appears to be legit, it could be from an imposter. Does the sender’s signature at the bottom of the message look different? Is the tone of their message more or less formal than a typical email from this sender? Be extra cautious and avoid clicking on any links in the message unless you’re absolutely sure the email and the link it contains are both legitimate. If you’re not sure, send a separate email to the contact asking them to verify the message.

Cyber security should be a major concern for businesses of all sizes, from the mom-and-pop retailer to the multinational corporation with vast data centers. These tips can help to keep your business’s network secure.

Cyberattacks targeting businesses will try to fool a single staff member into taking an action that provides enough information to compromise the entire organization. That is why it is so important for every business to provide basic cyber security training to all employees. Remote workers should be familiar with cyber security measures because they work with company data, but it’s likely their home’s network may not be as secure as the one back at the office.

Social engineering defines a category of tactics used by cybercriminals to gain the trust of their targets by using the psychology of persuasion. In a typical social engineering attack in a business environment, the cybercriminals will often present themselves as someone from within the organization—say a member of the IT or HR department—and persuade the victim to take an action that will give the hacker access to sensitive company data. 

Two types of attacks using social engineering against business targets include:

Businesses should use two-factor authentication (2FA) to prevent cybercriminals from stealing, destroying or accessing your business’s internal data records. When using 2FA, most websites use your mobile device to text or call with a passcode that must be entered to complete your login process.  According to Microsoft, the process is manageable and user-friendly, and passcode generators are more efficient than traditional passwords because no two passcodes are the same.

We all get reminders to update the software and operating systems on our devices, but we may tend to overlook how important this is in relation to cyber security. Norton provides several reasons why general software updates and patches are important:

When traveling or working remotely with company-owned devices, there are some basic steps you can take to keep them secure, thereby reducing the risk of theft or data loss. 

If you are working remotely, it may be a good idea to keep an active VPN installed on your company-owned devices. VPNs cloak your device’s location and scramble information transmitted over Wi-Fi networks using encryption technology that protects your data. Encryption converts information into secret codes that only the intended recipient can read, helping you protect data from unauthorized access and potential leaks. Top VPNs tested and rated by CNET include ExpressVPN, Surfshark and NordVPN.

Cybercriminals use a variety of tactics to gain access to networks and personal information and breach critical data systems. Whether working on personal devices or those owned by an employer either remotely or in an office setting, everyone should take basic steps to protect themselves against various kinds of cyberattacks.

Some basic cyber security awareness tips include using two-factor authentication and smart password management, using only secure Wi-Fi networks or a VPN, being careful to avoid suspicious links in email messages and regularly updating software and operating systems. 

Like frequent handwashing during flu season, these simple and easy-to-follow steps can keep viruses from spreading and prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to your personal or company-managed information.

Build a firm foundation in IT and learn what it takes to defend networks, applications and systems from cyberattacks with our Bachelor’s Degree Specialization in Cyber Security at DeVry. 

Earned as part of our Bachelor’s in Information Technology and Networking, this 100% online specialization includes hands-on learning opportunities in networks, software and security technologies. You’ll learn how to build detailed security and contingency plans and use countermeasure testing as you prepare to pursue a career in cyber security.

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