Internet Security Tips & Software (Tools)

 

Internet Security Tips & Software (Tools)

Now that you understand the threat posed by cybercrime, what are the best ways to protect your computer and personal data? These are our best internet safety tips:

Keep your software and operating system up to date

Keeping your software and operating system up to date ensures that you benefit from the latest security patches to protect your computer.

Use Antivirus Software and keep it updated

Using antivirus or a comprehensive Internet security solution is a smart way to protect your system from attacks. Antivirus software allows you to scan, detect, and remove threats before they become a problem. If you use antivirus software, be sure to keep it up to date.

Use strong passwords

Make sure to use strong passwords that people won't guess and don't record them anywhere. Or use a reputable password manager to randomly generate strong passwords to make this easier.

Never open attachments in spam emails

A classic way computers are infected with malware attacks and other forms of cybercrime is through spam email attachments. Never open an attachment from a sender you don't know.

Don't click on links in spam emails or un-trusted websites

Another way people become victims of cybercrime is by clicking links in spam emails or other messages, or unknown websites. Avoid doing this to stay safe online.

Don't provide personal information unless you are sure

Never provide personal information over the phone or via email unless you are absolutely sure the line or email is secure. Make sure you talk to the right person.

Communicate directly with companies about suspicious requests

If they ask for information about a company that has called you, hang up. Call them back using the number on their official website to make sure you are talking to them and not a cybercriminal.

Take into account the URLs of the websites you visit

Keep an eye on the URLs you are clicking on. Do they seem legitimate? Avoid clicking on links with unknown or spam URLs.

Be attentive to your bank statements

Be attentive to your bank statements and check any unknown transactions with the bank. The bank can investigate if they are fraudulent.

Internet Security Tips for Business

Business owners cannot afford to take cybersecurity lightly. A successful cyber attack could prove catastrophic. With this in mind, we have compiled the Internet security measures that companies should implement to improve their security.

Implement a robust firewall

A firewall is a cybersecurity solution that sits between a small business network and the outside world and prevents unauthorized people from accessing the network and stored data. Not all firewalls are the same. The additional investment in a next-generation firewall is money well spent.

Create and enforce password policies

You should implement password policies that require all users to establish strong and secure passwords. A unique and strong password must be used for all systems. Teaches employees how to create strong passwords and enforce their password policies. Consider using a password manager so you don't have to remember passwords.

Security awareness training

Make sure to provide regular Internet Security awareness training to the workforce. This is the only way you can create a culture of cybersecurity. You should provide training to help employees avoid phishing attacks and consider phishing simulation exercises to test the effectiveness of your training program.

Multi-factor authentication

Multi-factor authentication involves the use of a password and at least one other authentication method. If the login credentials are compromised, an additional factor is required to gain access to an account or the network, such as an SMS message to a user's Smartphone.

Backups

It is essential to have a good backup policy. In the event of a disaster, such as a ransomware attack, you must be able to recover critical data. Backups should also be tested to make sure files can be recovered.

Software and firmware updates

Vulnerabilities are regularly found in computer programs. Patches are released to fix those vulnerabilities, including those that are actively exploited. Make sure patches are applied promptly, software is kept 100% up to date, and the most up-to-date firmware has been installed.

Network segmentation

It is a best practice to segment networks and subnet them. This will not only improve Internet Security, it can also improve performance. By preventing access between segments, if a part of the network is compromised, an attacker will not have access to all systems and data. Also make sure to limit access to sensitive data and restrict the use of administrator credentials. The rule of least privilege applies. Don't give employees access to data, networks, and software they don't need for their daily work tasks.

Implement a spam filter

Arguably the biggest cyber threat companies faces is phishing. A single phishing email could allow an attacker to bypass perimeter defenses and obtain login credentials or install malware. An advanced spam filter will improve productivity by blocking non-malicious spam emails and preventing phishing emails from being delivered to inboxes.

Secure Wi-Fi networks

If you have a wireless network in your workplace, you must protect it. Make sure it's protected, the data is encrypted, and it's hidden. Use WPA2 for encryption. Change the default passwords and make sure your wireless router cannot be accessed from outside the network.

Consider implementing a web filter

A web filter provides protection against web-based attacks by preventing employees from visiting phishing websites and sites that host malware. A DNS-based web filter can protect wired and wireless networks and even remote workers. It will block malware downloads and prevent users from accessing dangerous websites.

Internet Security Tips for Kids

Parents can make sure their children are safe while browsing online with the following tips:

Do not allow children to navigate alone

Establish a rule that the child must use the electronic device to navigate in the living room or in the presence of an adult. In this way, adults can ensure that the child does not view inappropriate content online and also monitor the child's online activities.

Teach children to protect their privacy

Teach your children never to share personal information such as address, phone numbers, names, personal email addresses, sibling details, parents' work details, etc. without parental permission.

Never agree to meet friends online

It teaches children that the Internet provides anonymity and that their online friends may not really be who they say they are. It is dangerous to meet friends online as they could become pedophiles or kidnappers. Keep track of your kids' online friends and report suspicious activities or people online to your local cybercrime department.

Instruct your child never to click on pop-ups or subscribe to email newsletters

Clicking on pop-ups or ads may result in malware or virus downloading to the device. They could also be an online scam to collect the user's personal data. E-newsletters demand too much personal information and it is not safe for children to give it online.

Use a strong password

Teach children the importance of using strong passwords online and why they should never reveal passwords to anyone. Passwords are more difficult to crack if they are at least eight characters long, contain at least one number, one special character, one lowercase letter, and one uppercase letter.

Establish a time rule

Set a specific time limit for your kids' online activities. Whether for entertainment or educational purposes, it is best to limit the time children spend online.

Control what your kids post online

Teach your kids that once something is on the Internet, it can never be deleted. Therefore, they must be very careful about what they post online. Make sure you control this and if you think an image or post is inappropriate, make sure it is removed or never published. Being open with your children and explaining your reasons will avoid conflict and ensure that your children cooperate.

Don't let kids shop online unsupervised

Children should never be allowed to shop online unsupervised. They could enter credit card details on an insecure website, causing vital financial data to fall into the hands of cybercriminals.

Privacy settings

Teach your children the importance of using privacy settings on social media like Facebook or Instagram. Also, teach them not to click on suspicious links and to always log out before disconnecting.