Protect Yourself: Be The First Line of Defence

In the digital age, protecting yourself online is as important as locking your front door. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to exploit individuals, and a single misstep can have serious consequences. 

This Cyber Security Awareness Month, let’s focus on the steps you can take to safeguard your personal information and avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.

The Basics: Passwords, Phishing, and Updates

Passwords are your first line of defence against unauthorised access. Yet, many people still use weak, easily guessable passwords like “password2024”, “qwerty” or "123456".

To improve your security:

• Use complex passwords: Combine upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Avoid reusing passwords: Each account should have a unique password.
• Consider a password manager: This tool can generate and store complex passwords for you.

Phishing scams are one of the most common cyber threats. These deceptive emails or messages often appear legitimate but are designed to steal your personal information.

To protect yourself:

• Verify the sender: Always check the email address and be cautious of unexpected requests.
• Look for red flags: Poor grammar, generic greetings, and urgent demands are common signs of phishing.
• Don’t click on suspicious links: If in doubt, don’t click. Instead, go directly to the website in question and type in the URL.

Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software. By keeping your devices and applications updated, you close these security gaps. Set your devices to update automatically to ensure you’re always protected.

Keeping up to date with security updates, not only fixes vulnerabilities in hardware and software, helping to prevent malware and cyber attack; but can also improve the overall performance of your device and minimise downtime.

Beyond the Basics: Advanced Protection Tips

1. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring two or more forms of verification before granting access. Even if a cybercriminal obtains your password, MFA can prevent them from accessing your account.
2. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it harder for cybercriminals to intercept your data. This is especially important when using public Wi-Fi networks.
3. Regularly Back Up Your Data: In case of a cyber attack, having recent backups of your data can save you from significant loss. Make it a habit to back up your important files regularly.

Stay Vigilant and Stay Safe

Cyber Security is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant is key. By taking these steps to protect yourself, you’re not only securing your personal information but also contributing to a safer online environment for everyone. Remember, the best time to start is now—take action and protect yourself today.

For more tips and guidance on staying safe online, visit the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

Create a Human Firewall with Cyber Security Awareness Training

Ensuring staff understand the part they play in protecting your organisation and how to handle personal information provided by clients can not only help avoid potential threats but can also protect your reputation as a trusted organisation to work with.

Diamond IT can help educate you and your staff in the threats and attacks you are subjected to every day.

Using multiple platforms, we guide you through the minefield that is Cyber and Data Security and ensure you have the tools and experience to keep your organisations’ systems and data safe.

For more information on online or face to face training options, contact our team on 1300 307 907 today.