3 Tips for a Squeaky Clean Digital Life
Given the COVID-19 pandemic, we all now understand the importance of personal hygiene. We know that washing our hands is a proactive approach against catching a dangerous virus. Similarly, a “clean” digital lifestyle can protect against modern cyberthreats.
When it comes to cybersecurity, it is always best to take a holistic approach. In this article, we explore three recommended ways to improve your “digital lifestyle” and protect against cybercrime which is the number one global threat at this time.
1. Password Management
Effective password management is the holy grail of preventative cybersecurity measures. Many people have gotten lazy about their passwords. They utilize the same password across multiple accounts or they utilize easy to guess credentials like their birthday or their child’s name.
Almost everywhere you go on the internet these days requires account credentials. It’s easy to fall into bad habits. That is why we recommend utilizing a password manager like LastPass or Secret Server. These services help you to securely store all of your account credentials under one roof. They can also auto-generate complex passwords which decreases the likelihood of an account compromisation.
If you don’t currently utilize a password manager, then you should consider password generation best practices. A good rule of thumb for creating strong passwords is to use a passphrase. Passphrases are easy to remember but complicated to guess. An example of a passphrase is: SaturdaysAreMyFavoriteDays!52
2. Multi-Factor Authentication
The second step in your digital cleanse is to implement Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA acts as an additional layer of security for your accounts. When MFA is configured, the account authentication process requires an additional form of authentication.
First, you enter the correct account credentials. Then, your identity is verified through a fingerprint, authenticator application, secure USB key, etc.. This simple method can make a huge difference in your overall security posture.
Do you remember the Colonial Pipeline attack that happened in the summer of 2021? At the time, it was the most harmful cyberattack on U.S. critical infrastructure to date. The breach shut down the largest petroleum pipeline in the nation leaving millions of Americans without access to gas and other natural resources. This attack could have been mitigated by utilizing Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
3. Uninstall Applications That You Don’t Actively Utilize
It is easy to accumulate applications on your device or smartphone. Chances are, you currently have some applications that are no longer in use. Get in the habit of uninstalling stale applications. Not only does it save storage, but it also helps with overall security.
Stale accounts for applications that no longer receive updates and patches pose a serious security threat. Cybercriminals continue to get more advanced with their tactics. If you have an outdated app installed on your device, then there is a higher likelihood that your accounts could be compromised.
Also, apps that utilize location tracking functionality are able to collect your location data and share that information with advertising and marketing companies. Simply by carrying a tablet or a phone in your pocket can provide a wealth of information to bad actors. They can also collect details about your device which is dangerous because it provides cybercriminals that much more information about who you are, where you are located, and what establishments you frequent.
NOYNIM IT Solutions
If you are serious about beefing up your security posture, these three digital hygiene tips are just the tip of the iceberg. Business leaders require a robust cybersecurity plan to keep their critical data secure and network up.
At NOYNIM, we can help you identify which cybersecurity services are necessary for your business, given IT security & cybersecurity services vary in scope depending on client requirements. The best security strategy for your business will leverage all relevant services to create multi-layered protection against ransomware & other cyberthreats.
To learn more, we encourage you to read our post Should Your Company Consider Managed Cybersecurity Services? In short, engaging with a managed cybersecurity provider is a wise investment for savvy business leaders. At NOYNIM, our staff is comprised of seasoned IT professionals from a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines.
We recruit IT engineers with strong technical expertise, many of whom were previously employed at Fortune 500 companies. Our team has experience managing a wide variety of IT environments. From IT for small businesses to complex large corporations, we offer custom IT solutions that align with your business goals. We can also help develop a Business Continuity Plan in case your business does encounter a disaster.
Our clients experience friendly interactions, deep expertise, superior response times, and reliable service from our expert-level certified team of engineers. We understand that outsourcing your IT is a big decision. That is why we focus on establishing a highly personalized, responsive & collaborative partnership. Together, we create an IT strategy that fuels your business goals with an emphasis on keeping your network secure.
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