Staying Safe Online: A Guide to National Computer Security Day - Cyber and Fraud Centre

National Computer Security Day, observed annually on November 30th, serves as a crucial reminder to safeguard our digital lives amidst the ever-evolving cyber landscape. As we increasingly rely on technology for work, communication, and entertainment, it’s imperative to adopt robust cyber security practices to protect our personal information and critical systems.

The Rise of Cyber Threats

The early days of the internet were relatively tame compared to the complex and sophisticated threats we face today. In 1988, the first significant cyber attack on the internet’s predecessor, ARPANET, exploited vulnerabilities that are still relevant today. This incident highlighted the need for robust security measures to protect our digital infrastructure.

Today, cyber threats have become more pervasive and sophisticated, targeting individuals, businesses, and governments alike. Phishing attacks, malware infections, ransomware attacks, and data breaches have become commonplace, posing significant risks to our financial well-being, privacy, and even national security.

Essential Cyber Security Practices

Fortunately, there are steps we can take to protect ourselves from cyber threats. Here are some essential cyber security practices to adopt:

Strong Passwords: Create unique and strong passwords for every online account, avoiding easily guessable combinations or reusing passwords across multiple platforms.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Enable 2FA whenever possible. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or another trusted device in addition to your password.
Software Updates: Regularly update your operating system, applications, and software to patch vulnerabilities and protect against known threats.
Suspicious Links and Attachments: Be cautious of clicking on links or opening attachments in emails or messages from unknown senders. These may contain malware or lead to phishing websites.
Antivirus and Firewall: Install and maintain reputable antivirus and firewall software to actively scan for and block threats.
Data Backups: Regularly back up your important data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service. This ensures you have a copy of your data in case of a cyberattack or hardware failure.

Staying Safe from Phishing & Scams

In addition to good computer habits, knowing how to identify malicious content is critical for security. Phishing attacks now initiate over 80% of publicly disclosed breaches. Spotting and avoiding scams is one of the best defences against cybercrime.

Watch for these common phishing techniques:

Suspicious or odd sender names/domains
Spelling and grammar mistakes
Urgent calls to action
Links to weird URLs or attachments

Also, be vigilant against targeted attacks aimed directly at you or your workplace. Avoid opening unsolicited attachments or submitting sensitive data via online forms.

Scams on social media and other sites are increasing too. Be skeptical of too-good-to-be true offers and use caution when contacted out of the blue. Verify requests with people you know personally before taking any action.

Staying Informed is Key

Cyber security threats are always evolving, so continuing education is essential for everyone. Take time each National Computer Security Day to audit your practices, enable safety features, and boost awareness around phishing and scams. Reading up on the latest guidance from cyber security experts also helps substantially. With so much of our world online, taking these basic steps is more worthwhile than ever!

30.11.23

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