How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?
Cyber hygiene means the care you give to your online stuff. This includes keeping your devices and information clean and safe. Washing your hands stops germs. Good cyber behavior stops digital germs like viruses and hackers.
Why is it Important?
Criminals online always try new tricks to get your info or mess up your gadgets. Good cyber hygiene stops them. It keeps your stuff private and your devices working well.
How Can You Improve Your Passwords?
Passwords are like keys to your online home. You want them to be strong. Here are some tips:
Use Long Passwords
Longer passwords are harder to guess. Try using a sentence. For example, “I love eating pizza on Fridays!” is a good starting point.
Don’t Reuse Passwords
Use a unique password for each account. If someone steals one, the others stay safe
ACSC
See here for recommendations from the Australian Cyber Security Centre:
https://www.cyber.gov.au/protect-yourself/securing-your-accounts/password-managers
Mix it Up
Use different types of characters. Mix in numbers, symbols, and both big and small letters. “I<3EatingPizza0nFridays!” is even better.
Even Better – Use a Password Manager
Password managers make it possible to generate a unique, random, complex password for every online service you use.
NCSC
and here for recommendations from the UK National Cyber Security Centre:
https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/collection/top-tips-for-staying-secure-online/password-managers
IMPORTANT NOTE
The UK guide advocates saving your credentials in your browser, if you are the sole user of your device. Here at Obiquitech, we advise STRONGLY against this. This was a significant factor in the Australian Medibank data breach. Reach out to us to learn more.
Why Should You Update Your Software?
Updating your software is like getting a flu shot. It protects you from new threats. Here’s why it’s important:
Fix Security Holes
Updates usually fix problems in your software. These are holes that bad guys can use to get in. Updating closes these holes.
Set Automatic Updates
Turn on automatic updates when you can. Then you don’t have to remember to do it.
Get New Features
Updates can also give you new cool stuff. Your apps may work better or do more things.
How Does Multi-Factor Authentication Work?
Multi-factor authentication (sometimes called Two-factor authentication, is like putting two locks on your door. It makes it harder for bad guys to break in. Here’s how it works:
What is MFA?
MFA/2FA needs two things to prove it’s you. Usually, one thing is your password. The second thing might be a code sent to your phone or your fingerprint.
Where to Use MFA
Use MFA on all your important accounts. These include email, banking, and even social media.
Why Use MFA?
If someone steals your password, they still can’t get in. They don’t have the second thing. It’s much safer. In fact, it’s been established that the Medibank breach here in Australia could have been prevented simply by implementing two-factor authentication. Although that wasn’t the only problem, it alone would have been sufficient to stop the attackers in their tracks.
Are You Being Careful on Public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi can be very dangerous. It’s like yelling in a crowded place. Anyone could listen. Here’s how to stay safe:
Using a VPN
A VPN is like a secret tunnel to the internet. It keeps your information private, even on public Wi-Fi.
Turn Off Auto-Connect
Don’t let your device connect to any Wi-Fi network by itself. It might connect to a fake, bad network. It’s fairly trivial to create a Wi-Fi network in a public space, give it a name that sounds official, and use it to mount a “Man-In-The-Middle” (MITM) attack, which can be used to decrypt encrypted connections. The web sites and apps that you’re using should have in-built protection against this, but bugs happen.
Avoid Sensitive Tasks
Don’t do banking or shopping on public Wi-Fi. Wait until you’re on a safe network.
How To Identify Phishing Scams?
Phishing is when a bad guy tries to trick you into giving away your information. It’s like a fake fisherman trying to catch you. Here’s how to avoid the hook:
Check the Sender
Look closely at who sent the message. Scammers often use names that look real but aren’t.
Be Wary of Urgent Messages
Scammers often say you need to act fast. Real companies rarely do this.
Don’t Click Suspicious Link
If a link looks weird, don’t click it. Move your mouse over it to see where it really goes.
Are You Backing Up Your Data?
Backing up is like making copies of your important papers. If something bad happens, you don’t lose everything. Here’s why it’s important:
Against Ransomware
Ransomware can lock up your files. With backups, you can tell them to go away.
Use the 3-2-1 Rule
Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of storage, with 1 copy off-site.
Recover from Accidents
Sometimes we delete things by mistake. Backups let you get them back.
How Often You Should Review Your Privacy Settings?
Your privacy settings are like curtains on your windows. They let you control what others see. Check them often:
Schedule It
Check your privacy settings every few months. Write it down so you don’t forget.
Limit What You Share
Only share what you need to. The less you share, the safer you are.
Check All Your Accounts
Don’t forget about old accounts. If you don’t use them, close them.
Are You Teaching Your Family About Cyber Safety?
Cyber safety is for everyone in your family. It’s like teaching kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Here’s how to spread the knowledge:
Make it Fun
Use games or tell stories to teach about cyber safety. It’s easier to remember that way.
Talk About Online Experiences
Have open talks about what happens online. That keeps everyone in your house safe.
Lead by Example
Show good cyber habits to your family. They learn by watching you.
Want to Level Up Your Cyber Hygiene?
Good cyber hygiene protects you from online bad guys in 2025. Use strong passwords, update your software, and be careful on public Wi-Fi. Watch out for phishing scams. Always back up your data. Check your privacy settings and teach your family about online safety.
Want to know more about staying safe online? We can help! Contact us for more tips on cyber hygiene. Let’s make your online life easier and safer together!
Article used with permission from The Technology Press.
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