Online Security 101

Usman Sheikh

Use strong passwords: A strong password is the first line of defense against cyber threats. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, date of birth, or address.

Enable two-factor authentication: Two-factor authentication is a secondary layer of security that requires you to provide a code sent to your phone or email in addition to your password. This helps prevent unauthorized access to your accounts.

Keep your software up-to-date: Software updates often include security patches to fix vulnerabilities. Regularly updating your operating system, web browser, and other applications will help keep your computer secure.

Avoid clicking on suspicious links: Phishing scams often come in the form of an email with a link to a malicious website. Do not click on links from unknown sources and be cautious of links that look suspicious.

Use a reputable antivirus software: Antivirus software helps detect and prevent malware infections. Choose a well-known brand and make sure to keep it updated.

Back up your data: Regularly backing up your data to an external hard drive or cloud service ensures that you will not lose important information in the event of a cyber attack.

Be mindful of public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi is not always secure and can leave your device vulnerable to hacking. Use a virtual private network (VPN) when connecting to public Wi-Fi or avoid accessing sensitive information when connected.

Use encrypted messaging apps: Encrypted messaging apps, such as WhatsApp and Signal, ensure that your messages are secure and cannot be intercepted.

Be careful with personal information: Be mindful of what personal information you share online. Social security numbers, bank account information, and credit card numbers should never be shared online.

Use firewalls: Firewalls help prevent unauthorized access to your computer and can also block malicious websites.

Use strong encryption: Encrypting your data makes it unreadable to anyone who does not have the decryption key. This is especially important for sensitive information, such as business files or personal photos.