Use strong and unique passwords for all accounts. This is still one of the most important steps anyone can take to improve their cybersecurity. Passwords should be at least 12-15 characters long, include upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. People should not reuse the same password across multiple websites and accounts. Consider using a password manager to generate and store strong, unique passwords.
Enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. Adding a second factor like a code sent to a mobile device provides an extra layer of protection even if a password is compromised. Critical accounts like email should always use MFA.
Keep software up to date. Ensuring all software including operating systems, web browsers, plugins, and mobile apps are updated to the latest versions helps patch known vulnerabilities. Enable auto-update features where available. Outdated software is often exploitable.
Be wary of suspicious links and attachments. The majority of cyber attacks still start with phishing – tricking users into interacting with a malicious link or attachment. Users should be skeptical of unsolicited messages and only access websites by typing known URLs rather than clicking links.
Use antivirus software and enable firewall. Antivirus software is essential for detecting and removing malware at the host level like viruses, ransomware, and trojans. Personal firewalls help block suspicious inbound/outbound traffic. Sign up for automatic definition updates.
Configure device and browser security settings wisely. Items like disabling macros in Microsoft Office, blocking ads/popups in browsers, and enabling a popup blocker can foil malicious scripts and payloads. Only install apps from official app stores to avoid tampered versions.
Encrypt sensitive data in transit and storage. Information like financial records, tax documents, health records and more should be encrypted at rest and in transit to avoid interception or theft if a device is lost/stolen. Consider full disk encryption for laptops and mobile devices as well.
Regularly back up data. Backups create copies of important files, documents, photos and settings that can be restored in the case of a ransomware infection or hardware failure so the original data is not permanently lost. Backups should be automated and stored offline or in the cloud.
Limit network/remote access and use VPNs properly. Only permit remote access when needed, use firewalls to restrict unwanted inbound/outbound connections, and enforce account lockouts after suspicious login attempts. Personal VPN usage should ensure the provider has strict no-logging and good security practices.
Train users with regular security awareness. The root of many organizational breaches is employee errors or negligence in following basic cyber hygiene. Implement ongoing security awareness programs and simulated phishing tests to remind users of threats and how to identify scams. Discipline careless behavior in line with policies.
Monitor security tools centrally. Administrators need visibility into potential issues across endpoints, servers, firewalls, and other infrastructure through security information and event management platforms. Detect anomalies and investigate suspicious activity before it’s too late. Having aggregated monitoring avoids “security through obscurity.”
Conduct regular risk assessments and audits. It’s not enough to set policies and controls – organizations must evaluate them over time and after changes to ensure everything remains effective against the evolving threat landscape. Assessments uncover gaps to shore up before they are exploited maliciously. Auditing checks that policies are being followed.
Segment networks appropriately. Even if one segment or device is compromised, a zero-trust model segments networks, systems, services and users so breaches cannot easily spread laterally across other parts. Carefully design permissions based on job roles and business needs.
A strong cybersecurity culture requires layers of people, processes and technology that work together to reduce opportunities for attackers through awareness and resilient defenses. Staying vigilant and continuously improving helps protect individuals and organizations.