All you want this Christmas is cybersecurity tips to use your devices safely!
With the most wonderful time of the year around the corner, it is more important than ever to ensure our digital safety. As employees and organisations let their guard down and take a well-deserved break to enjoy festive celebrations, hackers take advantage of the loss of attention.
From backups to passwords, here are 12 cyber security tips that can help you and your business to stay cyber-safe over the festive period.
1) Website for online shopping? Are they naughty or nice?
Only browse trusted websites. This is especially important over Christmas. With people Christmas shopping online, fraudulent sites can be easily disguised as authentic.
2) All I want for Christmas is a strong password
It is important to get into a routine of having a strong password, that you can change often, and keep private.
3) Everything comes at a cost - be wary of public Wi-Fi
Everyone loves public Wi-Fi because it is convenient and free, however, it also comes with a cyber security threat. Hackers can easily hack your network if you don't secure it. Always add an additional layer of security like multi-factor authentication while you are using WI-FI.
4) Christmas Clean Up
We all know how frustrating it is when a pop-up appears on the screen, telling us that a system needs updating. It is very easy to ignore, but don't! Protect yourself and everyone on your network installing updates as soon as you see them.
5) Verify before you buy
Fraudulent ads, website, and apps can be hard to spot. When downloading a new app or visiting an unfamiliar site, take time to read customer reviews.
6) Approach season's greetings emails with caution
There will be a lot of emails flooding in with 'we wish you a Merry Christmas'. Cybercriminals will often send you spam cards, videos, and photos with Malware. Disable that option right away.
7) Be smart when it comes to charity
It's the most wonderful time of the year for giving to the underprivileged, however, however, there is plenty of options of scammers to trick you into giving you hard-earned. Always choose a known non-government organisation before you transfer money.
8) Don't save your payment information
When you save payment information, you make that information, you make that information vulnerable to data, reaches on either the company's side or your personal device.
9) Smart Gifts
There is a year-on-year increase in the number of internet-connected devices being used within business and at home. Anything from e-book frames and children's toys can pose a security risk if you haven't done your homework.
10) Check your bank statement regularly
There are multiple ways to check your bank statements at any time. Take advantage of this and check regularly in case there is unusual charges.
11) Eleven Data Backups...
If you are a victim of a ransomware attack, you will need a solid backup. Always back-up key data on a regular basis.
12) Avoid using debit cards, instead use credit cards
From online shoppers, use credit cards. In a case, if someone manages to intercept your financial information, they can do less damage.
We are here to help, so give us a call our visit our cyber security page for more information about the services we offer to protect our customers.