Ensuring confidential information remains private

Advancements in technology also come with their own set of pitfalls. There are dangers lurking in every corner waiting to strip unsuspecting users of their digital data to pry into their confidential information.

It has become more apparent that with these advancements, users need to become more in the know about potential threats and how to prevent them, to keep themselves, their families, and their work safe from cyber threats.

Online threats can affect your finances, steal confidential information, and compromise the online safety of your accounts. This is why prevention is better than a cure; once your accounts have been breached, not only is your online safety at risk, but it can lead to a lot of stress and additional costs to rectify the damage caused.

Understanding digital hygiene

The first question one may ask is: What is digital hygiene?

Essentially, this is the protection of a person’s digital identity and the data associated by following security recommendations. It involves organizing and maintaining devices, updating software, and securing online accounts. It often requires going beyond just cybersecurity protocols to include a security and privacy pack, removing digital clutter, and promoting a healthy digital lifestyle.

Common risks of poor hygiene

• Increased risk of identity theft: When people use weak or reused passwords and neglect their software updates, they make it easier for hackers to access personal data and sensitive information. This can lead to the exposure of confidential data.
• Malware and Phishing: Clicking suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources can result in malware infections, ransomware attacks, or falling victim to phishing scams that steal credentials or financial information.
• Financial Losses: Cyberattacks caused by poor hygiene can lead to theft of funds, fraudulent transactions, or costly recovery efforts after a breach or ransomware.
• Permanent Data Loss: Without regular data backups, important files and information can be lost forever due to cyberattacks or system failures.
• Physical and Mental Health: Poor digital habits can contribute to issues like sleep problems, anxiety, and digital burnout, especially for people who use devices excessively and increase their exposure to online threats.

Core principles of good digital hygiene:

• Using Passwords: When creating a password, a good rule of thumb would be to create a complex passwords that have a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Try to avoid using the same passwords across different accounts. To help remember your passwords, use a password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
• Two-factor authentication (2FA): When possible, enabling multi-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Most often, users will have to give access via a code or by authorizing the login using a mobile device or an associated email account.
• Software Updates: Keep operating systems, applications, browsers, and security tools up to date to patch vulnerabilities.
• Installing protection: Use antivirus software, enable firewalls to protect devices from malware and unauthorized access to accounts and devices.
• Encryption: Enabling encryption on devices and removable storage to protect information in case it is lost or stolen.

Every day digital hygiene habits to use

• Recognizing and avoiding scams: Follow safe browsing practices such as checking for HTTPS on URLs or avoiding suspicious links, etc.
• Limit personal information: Be careful of the information shared online and restrict access to sensitive data. This includes social media accounts and forums visited.
• Be wary of public Wi-Fi: Be cautious when using public Wi-Fi. Try to avoid accessing sensitive information, and if you must, make use of a fast VPN to encrypt the connection.
• Privacy settings: Regularly review and configure privacy settings on devices and apps to limit data sharing.
• Remote access: Enable remote tracking and wiping that allows the device to be located, locked, and erased from a remote source if it is lost or stolen.
• Device activity: Monitor device activity to track unusual activity on devices and accounts, to help detect breaches early. Regularly check devices that are connected to your network and remove those that are unfamiliar or not authorized.
• Secure home networks: When securing home Wi-Fi networks, use a strong encryption if available. Change the default credentials to something strong, unique, and not easily guessed. This is because the default credentials are often publicly available and easy for attackers to find.
• Update router firmware: Updating the firmware regularly to help patch security vulnerabilities. Enable automatic updates if possible and disable unnecessary features by turning off remote management, Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS), and Universal Plug and Play (UPnP) to reduce attack surfaces.
• Guest networks: Set up a separate guest Wi-Fi network for visitors, as it keeps the main devices isolated from guests and reduces the risk of unauthorized access.
• Router placement: Place the router in a secure location to prevent unauthorized physical access.

Managing digital footprint

To manage their online digital footprint, users should regularly review and update their privacy settings on social and online accounts. In addition to this, old or unused accounts should be removed or deactivated to prevent unauthorized access to information. Lastly, monitor accounts for signs of compromise and take action immediately.

Staying educated

To help prevent cyber attacks, it is important that users stay informed about new cyber threats and scams that are circulating online.

Subscribe to cybersecurity news sources, participate in online communities and forums, follow industry blogs, and enroll in continuous education and training, as a start. 

To ensure that loved ones are protected, it is important to share digital hygiene tips with family, friends, and colleagues.

Conclusion:

Maintaining good digital hygiene habits ensures the privacy and safety of the information shared online. These help prevent confidential information from being leaked online and compromise personal data like finances. To ensure long-term online security, it is important to make digital hygiene a part of daily life. This includes creating strong passwords, using VPNs when accessing public Wi-Fi, and monitoring accounts for unauthorized access.