Computer Security Day is celebrated on November 30th and was invented back in 1988. Its aim was to remind people about cybersecurity. These days, it covers everything from network and data protection to securing mobile devices. It is a good way to mark the importance of this security and serves as a reminder to have better protective systems and practices in place.
In this age of super internet deals, more and more people have online access. This means that there are more opportunities for malicious practices and accidental leakages. Therefore, there is a dire need to improve cybersecurity standards and make people aware of basic precautions. These precautions can help protect their information, computers, and networks from all sorts of attacks and leakages. Here are a few measures to generate awareness amongst people to prevent cyber attacks.
Never Share Your Passwords
One of the first things everyone should know is to set strong passwords and not share them with anyone. No matter where you’re setting a password, you need to make sure you use a mixture of alphabets, numbers, and special characters.
In addition, you should set different passwords for different places. Do not use the same password for multiple websites, otherwise, all of your information will be at risk. Instead, use different strong passwords and store them somewhere safe if you feel you won’t be able to remember them.
Always Use Licensed Software
There is a myriad of unlicensed and pirated software available online. It might be quite tempting to get free pirated options, but they could put your computer at risk. Often, pirated software is malware in disguise or is full of various viruses. These will infiltrate your computer and can cause serious problems.
Therefore, you should always buy licensed software and use it properly. This will ensure your computer’s safety, and you’ll also be able to get official company support when needed. This is also an ethical thing to do, so you should follow it as much as possible.
Avoid Public WiFi Connections
There are public WiFi connections available in many places. They might be a convenient and accessible option for your internet needs but are not safe. There may be numerous hackers and other malicious parties lingering on these networks. In addition, your device will be visible to everyone on the same public network, so your information will not be protected.
Therefore, you need to use private networks at home or use your mobile network hotspot on the go. Avoid public networks as much as possible, and stay safe.
Install Antivirus Software
This is a very simple and effective way to protect your computer systems. You can find various antivirus software in a very wide price range. Therefore, you can choose an option according to your budget and requirements. This software will protect your computer from most threats, such as viruses, worms, and even phishing.
Therefore, you should get the best antivirus possible, and protect your computer. Make sure you choose an option that also offers a firewall. In addition, while it will automatically run in the background, you should also regularly initiate thorough scans, so that your system can get rid of all sorts of threats.
Only Open Secure Websites
You should also know what to look out for when opening websites. Always check if the URL has an HTTPS prefix. If it doesn’t and has an HTTP prefix instead, do not open it. In addition, most browsers are equipped with basic safety features. They will alert you when a website’s security certificate is not up to par. When you see such a notification, do not open that website.
Furthermore, do not open suspicious links you get in emails and on social media posts. Always verify their source, and make sure you know where the links are leading to. If the link is compressed, avoid opening it unless you can confirm its legitimacy. In addition, always protect your personal and financial information. Do not enter it on unverified websites or in replies to suspicious emails. There are numerous phishing scams out there, and you need to be wary about them.
In conclusion, Computer Security Day is a good way to mark the importance of cybersecurity. You should take the opportunity to refresh your knowledge about online safety and the various threats involved. Furthermore, if you own a company, you should commemorate this day with cybersecurity workshops and exercises to give your employees a reminder about its importance.