In today’s digital age, having good Digital Hygiene is crucial to safeguard your personal and business data from cyber threats. Whether you’re a solo computer user or part of a larger network, implementing the following top 10 tips can help create a complete defense against cyber attacks.

  1. Firewall and Wireless Security: Install a hardware firewall at your workplace and password-protect your Wi-Fi with WEP 2 to prevent unauthorized access.
  2. Antivirus: Install and regularly update the latest antivirus software, such as EDR, to protect your devices from viruses, malware, and other malicious programs.
  3. Patch Management: Regularly update all apps and software on your devices and avoid using unsupported operating systems and apps to prevent vulnerabilities that hackers can exploit.
  4. 24×7 Monitoring: Have your IT company perform round-the-clock monitoring to intercept problems and resolve issues immediately.
  5. Two-Factor Authentication: Use 2FA for email and sensitive data access, and encrypt files and emails to add an extra layer of protection.
  6. Complex Passwords: Use unique and complex passwords (including numbers, alphabets, upper and lower case, and special characters) for different accounts, and change them every six months. Use password managers like Last Pass to securely store and manage your passwords.
  7. File Access and Permission Rights: Give access to data folders only to members who need it to prevent unauthorized access and misuse of sensitive information.
  8. Administrative Rights: Disable administrative rights on computers to prevent unauthorized installations that can compromise the security of your devices.
  9. Backup: Backup your data at least once a day and save it on the cloud or outside of your office to ensure that your data is always accessible even if your devices are compromised.
  10. VPN Access: Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to establish a private connection between your device and the internet, as well as between your office and remote computers to protect your online activities and data.

By following these tips, you can significantly reduce the risk of cyber threats and protect your valuable data. Remember that good Digital Hygiene practices are not only important for you but also for each of your employees and any device owned by your organization.