Five Ways to Increase Your Cyber Security Today

Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness month?

As more aspects of modern life start to integrate online, the importance of being secure when you’re connected to the internet has never been more crucial. In 2020, we’ve seen a huge shift of businesses transfer to ecommerce as a result of restrictions on physical storefronts. Additionally, with the introduction of working from home (WFH) when possible, employees rely on their own internet to communicate with clients and colleagues.

With that in mind, we’ve asked our Developer (and Cybersecurity whizz!) Ali for his advice on how to stay safe online. That way you can continue to enjoy the endless possibilities of the internet while keeping yourself, your family, and workplace protected.

1) Passwords

Everyone knows it’s important to keep your online accounts secure with strong passwords. But how can we make them even stronger? Ali’s advice is to use long, unique passwords that include a mix of cases, numbers and letters. Additionally, he would advise that you have a unique password for every online account. If a hacker can guess your password on one website, they will be likely to try it out on others.

If you are serious about unique passwords, you can download a “password manager” like KeePass. KeePas is a free, open source, light-weight and user-friendly database that stores all your passwords so you only have to remember one.

2) Encryption

We’ve all heard of encryption, but what actually is it? Encryption is a process that encodes a message or file so that it can be only be read by certain people. It works by using an algorithm to scramble, or encrypt, data and then uses a key for the receiving party to unscramble, or decrypt, the information.

Recognise the padlock at the top left corner of your URL? That icon means the website you’re visiting is encrypted. Google has recently made it near impossible to not be an encrypted site by pulling any unencrypted websites from listings on their search engine. However, it’s always worth double checking particularly on websites with sensitive data like stored cards and bank details.

For work communication, some companies prefer to use apps like WhatsApp as all the correspondence is automatically encrypted. However, it is worth researching more to find a messaging software that suits your company’s needs.

3) Ad Block

Ad Blockers are readily available and free as extensions on most browsers. As the name would suggest Ad Blockers automatic block tracking scripts, banners and annoying Pop Up ads that may appear. With an Ad Blocker installed you are less likely to click on dodgy links that could infect your computer with malware. Having an Ad Blocker installed can also speed up your waiting time as ads no longer have to load!

The most popular ones include Ad-Blocker or uBlock Origin but there are a whole host of Ad Blockers out there to keep users safe.

4) Phishing

Phishing scams are very common and get more sophisticated by the day. But, don’t be alarmed! With a few key pointers, you’ll be able to spot a scam a mile away and keep your data protected.

Firstly, watch out for dodgy email addresses (random letters/numbers) that don’t match the name of the sender. This is true of phishing emails that claim to be invoices, refunds or coupons. Other red flags include: emails that want you to complete a payment on an external site, generic greetings, spelling mistakes, strange formatting and low-quality logo resolution.

Keeping your security software regularly updated on your devices should reduce the amount of phishing that lands in your inbox. Additionally, marking spam as ‘junk’ and blocking sketchy email addresses will help you stay confident in your junk folder.

5) Trusting Your Gut

Ultimately, by practising these techniques you will develop a technical common sense to recognise any threats to your online security. If you prioritise a regular routine that includes backing up important data and updating security software, you’ll be up to speed in no time.

As always, the best thing to do if you run into a situation that you’re unsure of is to double check. Your bases will be covered if you send a text to a colleague that you’ve received a strange email from or phoned your bank after an unexpected email etc.

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If a cyber breech does escalate, don’t panic. There are a host of helpful, online resources to help you navigate the situation:

These simple and effective changes should boost your confidence online. However, these are only recommendations so we are can not be held responsible in the event of a cyber attack. Share these tips to ensure your wider network is more aware and protected. If you want to find out more about making the most of your business online, email us today at studio@yellowcherry.uk.