Top Essential Cybersecurity Practices to Keep You Safe Online--From the Cybersecurity Pros!

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In today's age of technology, cybersecurity is more important than ever. With hackers constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, it's crucial to take proactive steps to protect yourself online. Whether you're a seasoned tech enthusiast or just getting started with technology, these essential cybersecurity practices will help keep you safe from online threats.



Keep Your Passwords Private: Your passwords are the keys to your digital kingdom. Never share them with anyone, and make sure each account has a unique and strong password to prevent unauthorized access. While saving your passwords to Google or Apple/Samsung may be extremely convenient, these aren't reliable sources. What if your account gets hacked that you have saved EVERY password to? The hackers will then have access to all of the passwords you have saved, and they may even have your credit card information too if you have it saved. The best thing that you can do is invest in both multi-factor authentication (such as Duo, Google Authenticator, etc) and also have a password manager on standby to save all of your passwords. We offer both multi-factor authentication options as well as password management!

Stay Protected with Security Software: Keep your antivirus and firewall software turned on and up to date. These tools act as a shield against viruses, malware, and other online threats. 

Stay Up to Date with Software Updates: Do you ever see your computer pop up with Windows notifications saying that you need to update your computer? Software updates often include security patches that fix known vulnerabilities. Make it a habit to regularly update your operating system, apps, and security software to stay protected. 

Create Strong Passwords: Strong passwords are essential for keeping your accounts secure. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and avoid easily guessable phrases or personal information. Be sure to change them out frequently as well--we typically recommend every 90 days!

Be Wary of Suspicious Links and Attachments: Phishing attacks are a common tactic used by hackers to trick you into revealing sensitive information. Always double-check links and attachments before clicking on them, especially if they're from unknown sources.

Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Activities: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easy for hackers to intercept your data. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as banking or shopping websites, when connected to public Wi-Fi. If you have NO other option besides using a public Wi-Fi, please make sure to deploy a VPN at ALL times when connected! 

Encrypt Your Data: Encryption adds an extra layer of protection to your sensitive data by scrambling it so that only authorized users can access it. Make sure to encrypt important files and information stored on your devices.

Use Unique Passwords for Each Account: Reusing passwords across multiple accounts can leave you vulnerable to attacks. Instead, use unique passwords for each account to minimize the risk of a security breach.

Stay Informed and Educated: The world of cybersecurity is constantly evolving, with new threats emerging every day. Stay informed about the latest trends and best practices to keep yourself safe online. Here at Computer Geeks, we offer both 1:1 AND classroom cybersecurity training to all of our clients. If you are interested, please reach out to our sales team or service team!

By following these essential cybersecurity practices, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to online threats. Remember, staying safe online is a continuous effort, so make cybersecurity a priority in your digital life. Stay safe and secure!

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