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In today's digital age, staying safe online is more important than ever. Cyber hygiene refers to the simple practices and steps we can all take to protect our personal information and devices from cyber threats. By following a few basic guidelines, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber-attacks, ensuring that your data remain secure, and your online activities are safe.
Basic Cyber Hygiene Best Practices
1. Use Strong Passwords:
- Use long, unique passwords or passphrases, preferably generated and stored by a password manager. Avoid reusing passwords.
- Where available, use passkeys or other phishing-resistant authentication.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
- Turn on two-step verification (also called two-factor authentication or 2FA) for your online accounts whenever it is available. It adds an extra check when you sign in, so a password alone isn't enough to access your account.
- If you have a choice, use a passkey or security key, or an authentication app. These are generally safer than receiving a code by text message.
- Never share a verification code or approve a sign-in request that you did not start yourself.
3. Regular Software Updates:
- Keep your operating system, applications, and antivirus software up to date,
- Enable automatic updates where possible to ensure you have the latest security patches.
4. Be Cautious with Email and Links:
- Avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown or suspicious emails,
- Verify the sender's identity before responding to email requests for sensitive information,
- Take time to reflect on a request for your personal information and whether the request is appropriate.
5. Backup Important Data:
- Regularly back up your important files to an external drive or cloud storage,
- Ensure backups are stored securely and are tested for data recovery.
6. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network:
- Use strong encryption (WPA3) for your Wi-Fi network,
- Change the default password of your router and use a strong password,
- Disable remote management and unnecessary services on your router.
7. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software:
- Install reputable antivirus and anti-malware software on your devices,
- Run regular scans to detect and remove threats.
8. Educate Yourself and Others:
- Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and trends,
- Participate in cybersecurity training and awareness programmes,
- Share knowledge with family, friends, and colleagues to promote good cyber hygiene.
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9. Limit Personal Information Sharing:
- Be mindful of the personal information you share online,
- Review privacy settings on social media and other online services.
10. Monitor Accounts and Devices:
- Regularly check your financial accounts and online profiles for suspicious activity,
- Use security software to monitor your devices for unauthorized access or unusual behavior,
By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from cyber threats.
For Children, Parents, and Teachers:
For more tailored made materials specifically designed for primary and secondary students make sure to visit ENISA’s Cybersecurity Education Platform.
Discover the Treasure hunt games for primary school – Winner of the 1st ECSM Award for Best Educational Material in 2022 from Greece
Discover more award-winning cybersecurity awareness-raising materials from the ECSM awards.
Test your knowledge:
Take the ECSM Cybersecurity Quiz and challenge your cybersecurity knowledge: European Cybersecurity Month Quiz
