Bristol Technology Group brings you a 1 minute video with our 5 step guide on how to protect yourself and your organisation against cyber threats when online.
For those of you who prefer words, read on for a summary of the clip.
Maintain Strict Password Discipline
The number one most important thing you must do to be safe online is to maintain good password discipline. An insecure password is easily hackable with modern computing power, and each day that goes by, said power grows ever stronger. Compromised email passwords can give rise to cascading compromises across multiple platforms.
- Use strong passwords
- >12 characters
- Uppercase, lowercase, numbers & symbols
- Avoid dictionary words
- Use 2 factor authentication
- Use different passwords, change regularly
- Don’t record passwords electronically
Use Email Wisely
Email is as old as the Internet itself and no doubt it’s here to stay. Despite the meteoric rise of social media, we use it more and more every day, particularly in the workplace. For this reason it remains one of the most commonly exploited delivery methods for cyber threats. Used correctly, email is safe, but be wary of the pitfalls.
- Use spam protection
- Check all email for suspicious content
- Never click links you weren’t expecting
- Never send personal information by email
Use Trusted, Reliable, Updated Software
Your first line of defence when your device becomes infected. Never underestimate the importance of using the correct software.
- Maintain security software and scan regularly
- Keep browser up to date
- Use browser security extensions
- Update operating system regularly
Browse Responsibly
Much like human disease, the easiest way to avoid cyber infection is to avoid the infected.
- Avoid these kinds of sites:
- “free” software
- peer-to-peer file sharing
- out of date copyright
- non-profit organisations
- religious groups / places of worship
- personal web pages
- Block adverts with an ad-blocker
- Never download from unknown sources
- Never install software from pop ups
Treat Public Networks as Unsafe
Hackers can easily manipulate public networks to infect your device and obtain secure information. Public networks make much easier targets for the hacker since you are not protected from them behind your private network’s Internet firewall.
- Use operating system security measures – “Public Network”
- Use a secure VPN to connect to trusted network
- Never enter secure login details
- Password protected WiFi is still public
Choose the Right IT Support Partner
Bristol Technology Group has you covered. We offer the following services to help keep you protected from cyber threats when online
- Enterprise grade secured VPNs
- Cyber security news @BristolTech
- Comprehensive IT support network
- Free security audits to new customers
- Private, secure Cloud backup services
- Contingency planning and disaster recovery