The rising number of data breach cases globally is a strong indication that we are in the era of increasing cyber threat. A report by RiskBased Security revealed that over 7 billion records and sensitive information have been exposed via different online platforms in the first nine months of 2019 alone.

This figure is far more than the number of records exposed within that same period in 2018. Common methods cybercriminals use include phishing, Malware, SQL injection, and more.

However, in the face of this evolving threat, safeguarding your PC or other devices from hackers and other unscrupulous acts using proactive measures, as most companies like swissmoney does, is deemed necessary.

Protecting one’s self and gadgets is more crucial now in today’s digitally connected world with information that easily flies around like birds. For every webpage and app, there are countless threats locking up that exposing your PC or other gadgets might lead to linking or giving other people unrestricted access to.

Cybercriminals have become so incredibly sophisticated on how they hack people’s bank and social media account details, steal personal data, and by armed with the right information, you can avoid being an easy catch to cybercriminals.

This article outlines some essential cyber security tips and rules to safeguard and maintain your digital safety in today’s treacherous online space.

Essential Cyber Security Measures

The following processes and tools are useful in protecting your PC and give you a basic level of security against the most common IT risks.

  • Leverage Security Software

One vital way you should employ in safeguarding your PC is using security software, such as antivirus, anti-malware, and anti-spyware programs. This will help you detect and remove unscrupulous code if it slips into your network.

  • Keep Your Software and Devices Updated

Keeping your PC and other devices updated plays a tremendous role in maintaining online safety. Regular updates of devices often include patches and fixes of security vulnerabilities that hackers may explore.

An effective way companies always keep their website and app updated is to release newer versions. This will make it difficult for fraudsters to explore. You should also get the latest versions of apps and websites on your PC.

Failing to do this may make you vulnerable to cyber-attack. A report by Voke Media revealed that over 80% of companies that experienced a data breach could have prevented it by performing necessary updates on time.

Besides solving the vulnerabilities, cybersecurity experts also release updates when they detect new strains of cyberattacks and malware.

  • Use Firewall Protection and Antivirus

Antivirus software is primarily made to protect your smartphone, PC, and other devices from Trojans, worms, viruses, and ransomware by detecting and removing them. This software has the capacity to detect 350,000 viruses daily.

On the other hand, firewall protection is designed to help control the data traffic movement in and outside of your device. The device also helps to keep data from passing through while keeping dangerous areas from moving out.

Firewalls and Antivirus software may require constant updating. You should always continuously tweak your software to keep up with the latest digital threats.

  • Ensure your PC is Connected to Secure Websites

Secure websites use various measures to prevent users from cyber-attacks. These measures include secure socket layer certificate, encryption, and other security protocols. Accessing websites with these security attributes can importantly minimize the risk of falling victim to data breaches, cyber-attacks, and hacking attempts.

To check if a website is fully secured, you go straight to the check if a padlock symbol exists in the URL bar and ensure that the website’s address begins with “https://” instead of “http://”. These show that the website has an SSL certificate and is encrypted. More so, you should ensure the website you are on is secure before entering any sensitive information.

  • Add Multi-factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication (MFA) is designed to ensure that a user gains access to an account or system after providing at least two separate forms of identification.

The forms of identification include three basic information, which has to do with providing something you know, something you have, or something you are. These could also be biometric information such as facial recognition or fingerprints, a passport document, a physical entity like a token, or a unique code sent to your mobile phone or email.

Most hackers don’t really have the time or enjoy working to manipulate an account with MFA because it is stressful and time consuming. They also avoid such accounts because activating them requires extra friction and steps.

This makes the added security worth using by both individuals and companies. A report by Zippia in 2023 revealed that MFA has a high success rate as it has blocked about 99.9% of modern automated cyberattacks and stopped 96% of phishing attempts.

With MFA, it becomes harder for hackers to obtain any information or bypass your password. MFA requires the use of identification which can prevent unrestricted access. This complex system often discourages them and puts an end to their attacks.

Many social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and search engines like Google, and banking services offer MFA security measures.

  • Track for intrusion

You can also use intrusion detectors to track systems and unusual network activity. If a detection system suspects a potential security breach, it can raise an alarm, such as an email alert, based on the kinds of activity it has identified.

  • Use a strong password

As you might know, passwords are targeted at preventing unrestricted access to the information on your PC or gadgets. A password is a way to restrict their efforts at getting illegal access into your account. To protect your PC and gadgets, ensure your password with strong but easily remembered codes.

Do not use any number or names that can be easily known or guessed. An online thief may likely try your name, date of birth, or phone number as your password. So, you can, if possible, use words or names or numbers that are not common or could easily be traced to you.

Conclusion

In conclusion, cybersecurity is an important matter for businesses and individuals. A significant part of your data contains sensitive information, whether that be financial data, personal information, intellectual property and others for which unauthorized exposure or access could have negative effects on you.

You, therefore, need to ensure proper security of that information by protecting your PC and other gadgets that contain that information from being hacked.