Hi, I’m Wajid Khan. I am trying to explain computer stuff in a simple and engaging manner, so that even non-techies can easily understand, and delivered to your inbox biweekly. Join me on an under-the-hood tech journey.
Practice Basic Cyber Hygiene
You don’t need to be a seasoned hacker to practice good cyber hygiene. In fact, many of the first steps are actually pretty simple to do—all you have to do is remember to do them.
🚨Be Wary of Phishing Emails and Malicious Links
Start by utilizing strong passwords and updating them regularly. Most services will even suggest a secure password for you when you create an Account. You should also enable two-factor authentication whenever possible, which adds an extra layer of security that someone would need to breach in order to access your accounts.
By regularly backing up your data, you can also protect yourself if there’s ever an attack or problem with one of your accounts. This will save you the headache of having to recover any lost data, as well as reduce the chances of falling victim to a targeted attack or ransomware.
Finally, downloading software from trusted sources and staying up-to-date with the latest security news can help keep you informed about potential threats and tips on how to stay secure online. Doing all this may seem intimidating at first, but with a little bit of effort, it’s entirely possible for anyone with basic technical know-how and time.
Use Strong and Unique Passwords
The third step in conquering your fear of hacking is to make sure you're using strong and unique passwords.
🚨In fact, research shows that nearly 60% of people reuse passwords, which makes them extremely vulnerable to hacks.
To stay safe, use unique passwords for each account and make sure they’re long and complex. A great way to generate a random, secure password is to use a password manager. Most password managers will create a secure password for you, store it securely and automatically input it into websites when needed - making it easier to remember and use. You can also set up two-factor authentication (2FA) on some accounts, which adds an extra layer of security.
Another tip is to create a list of all your online accounts (including ones you don't regularly use) and make sure they all have different passwords.
Finally, be sure to regularly update your passwords every few months, as this will help protect your accounts even more!
Enable Two-Factor Authentication Whenever Possible
When it comes to trying to safeguard your online information, one of the most basic and effective steps you can take is to enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
This feature has become more and more widely available, on everything from banking apps to social media platforms, and it's a great way of making sure that even if somebody steals your password, they still won't be able to access your account.
🚨Do not let fear stop you from using two-factor authentication, as it is a simple and accessible security feature that anyone can employ.
Not sure what two-factor authentication means? It's simple. Anytime you try to access an account, in addition to entering a username and password, you'll also have to input a code that's sent directly to you; this code remains valid for only a short period of time.
This means that even if somebody were able to figure out your username and password somehow, they wouldn't be able access your account because the code becomes invalid quickly.
Hi, I’m Wajid Khan. I am trying to explain computer stuff in a simple and engaging manner, so that even non-techies can easily understand, and delivered to your inbox biweekly.
