Make information security a matter for the boss.
Companies are legally obliged to ensure functioning IT security management. Private individuals should take an afternoon to look after their own security. Here are 12 simple tips for your digital health.
- Install every security update: All security updates for software, operating systems and apps must be installed. This gives manufacturers the opportunity to fix current vulnerabilities. Check your systems regularly for new updates.
- Use only trustworthy sources: Above all, only download apps from the official app stores.
- Secure your home Wi-Fi: Your home Wi-Fi should have a strong password and be encrypted. WPA2 or WPA3 is best for this. Make sure you change the default password of your router.
- Use strong passwords: You should use a separate, strong password for every account you use. Strong passwords have at least 16 random characters. It is best to leave the management of your passwords to a password manager without a cloud connection. And whenever possible, always use two-factor or multi-factor authentication. By the way, you should not store your passwords in your browser.
- Test restoring your backup: A regular backup of your data in a safe place may save you from data loss. When you get the chance, check whether the backup can actually be restored.
- Smartphone security: Disable unused interfaces such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, camera, microphone, NFC, etc. And switch off all location services. That also saves battery, by the way. And while you are at it, why not check the permissions of all the apps on your smartphone? You may find that you can delete some apps you have not used for months.
- Read the privacy notices: It takes effort, but you will find out whether your data is passed on to third parties and how the service in question handles your privacy. Also check the privacy settings of your social networks.
- Encrypt your communication: If you send sensitive information, you should use encryption. This basically applies to messengers too. Use Signal or Threema.
- Don’t trust everyone: Only open email attachments or links with executable files in exceptional cases. However, even a PDF can infect your system with malicious code. You can spot phishing, for example, by spelling mistakes and/or by checking the final URLs (mouse-over effect). And no, your bank will not ask you by email or text message to update your details or passwords.
- Check your account activity: Regularly check your account transactions and credit card statements and report anything suspicious to your bank.
- Teach your children about online dangers: Make your child aware of data protection and make sure your child’s privacy is adequately protected, especially when using social networks.
- Cover your webcam: Cover your webcam when it is not in use. This prevents you from being watched without your knowledge. By the way, on Android and iOS a green dot in the status bar shows that an app is currently accessing the camera.
Source
This news article comes from our partner company bbg bitbase group.
