Digital Security: 9 Cyber Security Tips for Everyone

Digital security is the protection of personal digital information online or on the internet. It also consists of the tools and security measures a person/individual takes to ensure and maintain his or her digital privacy/digital personality. The importance of digital security can not be overstated, especially considering the high incidence of cyber attacks and fraud round the world.

Statistics (from the cyber security survey 2018) showed that an astonishing 43% of businesses had digital security breaches.

Cybercriminals and hackers are constantly evolving with technological trends. Hence, the need for increased digital security.

Cyber/Digital Security Tips -

Vigilance the Most important Digital Security Tip

Being vigilant and cautious are the most effective digital security tools. They are free and only require personal effort/dedication. We should all remember that information shared online could be used against us.

Hence, care should be taken when sharing digital information and equally when receiving or viewing information online. 

Ensuring Card Security

The card industry is an essential component of digital security. When purchasing cards (smart-cards, contact smart cards, sim-cards, banking cards), patronize reliable companies.

Reliable card companies use trusted transport networks to make deliveries. This ensures that vital information is kept secure and doesn’t fall into the wrong hands.

Many card companies have falling victims to breaches in security. Most of which occur through associated third parties.

Card products should be high tech and state of the art. They should consist of high-level designs, sophisticated enough to prevent identity theft and card duplication.

Card companies equally need to respect card agency rules/protocols while investing in cutting edge technology.

On a personal level, individuals should ensure they secure their cards at all times. Card products contain critical information that can be used for cybercrime and fraudulent activities. Whenever any of your cards (banking cards, sim cards, smart cards, etc.) are missing/misplaced. Report to the associated agency or company offering the service.

The importance of card security in relation to digital security is growing. Millions worldwide have experienced different types of card-related fraud.

Securing Digital/Online Health Care Information

Securing healthcare information has become very important in the fight against cybercrimes. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Phishing attacks, malspasms, and ransomware attacks were on the increase. Now, it is at an all-time high.

Hackers and cybercriminals now use Covid-19 to bait individuals, businesses, and corporate brands. The most affected have been end users who download Covid-19 related applications that have been corrupted by malware/ransome ware.

Digital health care information is at risk more than ever before. Even though, the Health Insurance Profitability and Accountability Act was created to safeguard individual health care information from unauthorized use.

At times like this, such information might be made public, primarily when it benefits public health. Hackers and cyber criminals are aware of this.

On a personal level, individuals should report any suspicious activities to relevant authorities. This includes suspicious emails, phone calls, messages, or generally anything that seems abnormal.

Data Control as a Digital Security Measure

Data control helps to protect the customers spending data. As a balance and check measure, banks usually set data checks.

This helps them know when unusual activity/ unusual spending patterns emerge.

Automated data controls are an essential tool in preventing cyber fraud and halting hackers. Customers usually approve these controls. For example, a customer can request for a location data control.

Any online customer activity outside this location would be stopped immediately. Generally, any business can set controls and alert mechanisms to alert any unusual activity or activities. Also, be aware of Google Dorks and how to be secure as they can be a source for hackers to steal your information.

On an individual basis, it is essential to set data controls. This can serve as a last-ditch security mechanism.

Automated controls, when properly implemented alongside automated alerts, help to give individuals, businesses, and corporations extra protection.

Alerts as a Digital Security Tool

Another cybersecurity tip is setting up efficient alert systems. Alerts can help prevent cybercrime and fraud by notifying financial institutions whenever there is any unusual activity. Alarms help to notify appropriate personnel, to take necessary action.

Information Partitioning and Data Security

Information partitioning is a very important data security measure. Especially in large corporations with numerous employees.

Even before setting up external checks and external preventive measures. It is important to set up access controls. These access controls prevent customer data (such as sensitive financial information) from being leaked or stolen by rogue employees. 

As a private business owner, you should consider setting up access controls for your employees. Especially when customer information is at stake. This helps to prevent the wrong employee from accessing vital information. You might use https://cybri.com/penetration-testing-services/ for better security. 

This ensures that functional strata within the organization have access to only part or bit information, and not all the data (delicate information).

Passwords – an Important Digital Security Tool

Set a password on all your devices (personal, business, corporate). This ensures that only approved individuals access them. Devices/digital equipment contains a lot of sensitive information and should be protected at all costs.

Antivirus and Device Digital Security

Install reliable anti-virus software to prevent viruses and malware from accessing your device or devices.

Also, while online, avoid clicking on unsolicited links, emails, and adds. Instead, delete them when possible and install a reliable spam/ad-blocking software. This would help prevent them from appearing again.

Securing VPN Servers

In periods like this (corona pandemic), where many employees and students are operating from home. Less prepared organizations might encounter security misconfigurations on VPN's. This can expose critical/sensitive information.

Organizations/corporations, and even individuals should ensure that their VPN's are secure. They can employ the services of reliable security agencies to assist them in this regard.

Summarizing

The importance of digital security in today’s world cannot be overstated. Aside from preventing fraud. Private/personal information can be lost when digital security measures are not implemented.

Some of the measures or tips to improve digital security include vigilance, ensuring card security, protecting health care information, data control, setting up alerts, information partitioning, installing antivirus, and passwords.

Digital security is a collective responsibility. We all have our parts to play. Let’s join hands and make the world a more secure place.