Cybersecurity is one such phrase that you might hear and think might be very complicated. But in truth, protecting data and information is easier than it seems, and cybersecurity for beginners is one of the common practices. It is primarily important for the adoption of good practices as well because, at present, we are dependent on technology and the internet for almost everything. So, when you think cybersecurity is a concept that is very difficult to grasp, do not fret.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity is protecting systems, networks and programs from various kinds of digital attacks. Those cyberattacks are mainly aimed at getting access, altering and damaging sensitive information, to extort money from various users through interruption of normal business processes or ransomware.

Execution of efficient cybersecurity steps is specifically difficult today as there are more devices available than people and attackers nowadays are more inventive. A right cybersecurity posture has several layers of protection that are spread all over the computers, programs, data or networks that one wants to keep safe. In any organization, a proper threat management gateway system can help in the automation of integrations all over the products and speed up important safety operations functions such as detection, scrutinization and remediation. People, procedures along with technology should all complement each other for the creation of efficient protection from cyberattacks.

• People: Users should understand and stay in compliance with basic data protection and privacy safety principles such as selecting strong passwords, remaining wary of the attachments in emails and keeping a backup of data.
• Procedures: Organizations should have a framework for dealing with both attempted as well as successful cyberattacks.
• Technology: Technology is required to give both organizations and individuals the security tools of the computer required for protecting themselves from various cyberattacks. The three main entities should be protected such as the endpoint devices, smart devices and the routers along with the cloud.

Simple cybersecurity tips for beginners for enhancing your security and protecting yourself online

Do not open mail from strangers

When you get a phishing email with attached malware, you should not download the attachment as it can damage your network. This is because drive-by downloads can cause installation of the malware on your hard drive even if you do not agree to download them. In many cases, a drive-by download can disguise itself as some update or any other innocuous “yes/no” questionnaires’ and even some cyber-savvy can get fooled by this. This is the reason, it’s a good idea never to open any emails from addresses that you do not know and follow all online security best practices.

Keep your devices up-to-date

When you do not have any security software, devices or any web browsers up-to-date, turn on automatic updates. Updates often can fix some of the critical safety holes that might have been detected in your device or any of your programs.

Make use of strong passwords

There are many ways to protect yourself from identity issues online and making use of strong passwords is one of them. Even now there are some people who make use of passwords such as “123456”. Do not use such passwords and also do not use your birth date or dog’s name etc. The best password suggestion is that which you can remember but will be difficult for other people to guess.

Two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication needs you to make verification of your identity after logging in by using your username or password. In many cases, you are asked to verify your identity by making an entry of a code that is sent by text to your phone or by email. Some other times you are required to answer a security question. When there is an availability option available, opt-in. It might take you some extra seconds to log in to your accounts, but it decreases the chance of other people logging in to your accounts.

Never click on strange-looking links

Viruses and other kinds of malware often spread as you click on any link that comes from someone you know. When you receive any link that has a strange look from any trusted friend or any family member, contact them to ask if the link that you have received has been sent on purpose. In the other way, you can also copy and paste that link into some reputable link checker. But never click on the link and do safe internet browsing.

Do not use unsafe public WI-Fi

If you are thinking about how to protect yourself from a cybersecurity attack, then whenever possible, try avoiding accessing unsafe public WI-fi on your devices. Using it makes you highly vulnerable to some of the predatory practices. If you are using it, try to avoid any compromising information such as your social security number or any financial information on any of the websites. It’s better to make use of a VPN, for browsing whenever you are not at home. This helps in encrypting the data you are sending and receiving, which makes it hard to intercept.

Keep backup of data regularly

If you become a victim of any malware attacks like ransomware, you might not get back your data unless you back it up. But with backup, you can make some kind of security breach less problematic. When a hacker encrypts your data and demands some ransom, it is not going to be that big deal.Staying secure online might feel like a challenge, but it should not be. If you are still unsure how to protect yourself online against all scams, then treat all online interactions in the same way as you would with any stranger who is walking down the street and cybersecurity essentials.