Everyone needs to protect their devices from internet threats because with a single click, anyone can gain access to your data. Data Compromise is the number one threat that every tech user with a digital footprint should guard against, and the way to do this is by taking cybersecurity seriously. While selecting the cyber security services, be careful to avoid the below mistakes.
According to Forbes, there have been over 300 data breaches involving the theft of over 100,000 or more records over the past ten years. The United States alone saw 1,244 data breaches in 2018 and had 446.5 million records exposed according to Statista. That is data from an advanced country with cutting-edge technology. How much more countries and businesses with lesser technological sophistication?
Before going further, it’s important that you don’t limit your cybersecurity efforts to just safeguarding your online information. The protection of WAN and LAN Resources holds as much significant roles in ensuring that there is no loophole for fraud, malware, phishing, and other kinds of breaches.
What are the common cybersecurity mistakes that people and businesses often make?
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Cyber Threat Denial
Before a solution, there is a need to acknowledge the problem. Most people are not even aware about the kind of threat that cyber breaches present to them and their businesses. So, you need to know what the existing cyber threats are first. You need to understand computer viruses, data protection, phishing, and other such so you can fortify your data and network against them before they strike.
Many business owners hear about hackers gaining access to top-tier companies’ data, not considering the possibility that their enterprise is a potential victim of such attacks. We recommend that you dedicate at least a few hours daily or weekly to learn about these threats or consult with experts who can provide you with the necessary cyber safety measures.
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Zero/weak Security Measures
Password guarantees safety to a personal phone, laptop, or system data, but not everyone optimises them to protect their devices. For some, they use them but either have weak passwords or use the same across multiple devices, which leaves them vulnerable to cyberattacks. If you want to safeguard your digital assets, you need to have strong passwords for your devices. Preferably, this should contain numbers, uppercase and lowercase alphabets, and symbols.
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Neglecting Updates
Is the software you are using on your system the latest version? If it’s not, your device has a higher chance of getting compromised. The concern for some people is software performance rather than security. While this is understandable, it does not aid cyber safety as older software versions often lack advanced security updates.
In addition, neglecting updates can slow your system’s operating capacity. Why do that to yourself? Although the required update might seem like a bother for you, create time to adopt it so you will protect your digital assets from unauthorised access.
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Using Unknown External Gadgets
If you collaborate a lot, there is a high chance that you exchange external gadgets like flash drives and memory cards. While you might enjoy the easy access it gives you to data, it can also expose your devices to threats, so you have to take precaution and scan all such devices before connecting them to your devices.
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Clicking Unsolicited Links
When looking through or email or even any site, note this: do not click on any suspicious link. A fraudster can gain control of your system just by your well-meaning search through a corrupt link. If you receive any email from friends or business associates, verify to be sure that they and not internet fraudsters sent it, as it could be a phishing link.
Phishing involves unknown individuals gaining access to a device through text, call, or email. Most times, the owner might not know details like credit cards, customer data, and login information can be extracted from clicking these links. To stay safe, do not click unsolicited links.
How To Avoid Making Cyber Security Mistakes
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Continuous Learning
Knowledge acquisition cannot be overemphasised if you want to avoid making costly cybersecurity mistakes. You might say, “I have so much workload and don’t have enough time to learn about what threats are out there.”
What would you prefer? Taking time out of your schedule to learn about them or getting relevant data wiped out of your system because you don’t have strong cybersecurity measures in place? Sometimes, the right knowledge will come by consulting the right services. When you invest in relevant knowledge, you will get information on the latest cybersecurity solutions.
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Create Strong Password/Double Authentication
Yes, you have created a password, but is it secure? Instead of an easily guessable password like ABCD or 1111, use a mix of numbers and the alphabet like A62F. If you prefer, you can add symbols A6(*2F. A strong password makes it difficult for anyone to access your files.
The best passkeys are the ones with a combination of numeric, alphabet, and symbols. Ensure the password is at least eight characters in length.
Another way to go about this is using authentication codes or secret questions. Unlike passwords with a series of numbers or letters that you might forget, security questions are private information that only you have the answer to. They include questions like your mother’s maiden name, first pet, name of birth hospital, etc, all of which not just anyone should know about you.
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Update Now, Update Constantly
For every updated version of the software you are using, developers have ensured appropriate security measures that serve as a firewall against unwanted elements. While the current version you are using might be safe, the new update is often usually better in terms of security. If you don’t want to worry about this constantly, you can set automatic update notifications for every software that you use.
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Use Antivirus
Antivirus serves as a firewall against unwanted elements. Generally, they are security software that identifies and eliminates malware that may harm a device. When you insert an external device into a computer, the antivirus scans for potential harm before use. If the external is corrupt, it shows the threat and advises ejection or erasure of the malware. Although there are many free antiviruses available, choose a paid antivirus if you want quality.
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Verify Links before Clicking
If you see any unsolicited message on your computer, do not click. Some might appear enticing; however, do not fall victim to a cyber-attack through unverified links. There are cases of fraudsters gaining access to people’s personal computers without their awareness through unsolicited links. This is particularly important if you are making financial transactions online. Always verify before proceeding with any transaction.
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Prioritise Your Network Security
Above all else, prioritise your business and its network security. This is because without internet connections, it is a lot harder for a hacker to access a device. Here are a few other reasons you should prioritise your network security:
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Data Protection
With cyber security, you do not have to worry about missing personal or official data. The protected cloud information is accessible on multiple devices with a passkey. Businesses with inadequate protection measures might experience fraud, missing files, or losses. Therefore, you need to use a trusted solution that can collect, accumulate, analyse, and protect your customer’s information.
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It builds trust and reputation
When potential customers know they are dealing with an enterprise that holds data protection in high regard, they will be eager to patronise your services. If you check leading organisations in every sector, the ones with a reputation for detail protection are at the top. You can use Hidden Brain’s latest technology to keep supply chain records and gain your client’s trust.
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It improves device efficiency
Devices without malware work faster and better compared to those with one. When a system is cyber secure, employees do not have to worry about delays in executing their duties. Also, the devices usually last longer.
Conclusion
Without knowledge of cyber security mistakes and tips to prevent them, there is a possibility of experiencing an attack soon. Some have the notion that only top-tier companies require digital security. However, there are incidents of small and medium businesses being victims.
Make the right choice today and choose Hidden Brains as your cyber security partner.
Hidden Brains is the no. 1 enterprise solutions company on a mission to help businesses succeed.
We are a team of professionals who offer a myriad of solutions, including systems integration for security improvement purposes, procurement improvement solutions, HRMS, and many more. Are you looking to book a demo? Or would you like to speak with a consultant today? Reach out to us via email at [email protected] or call us at +2349157400338.
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