How To Protect Yourself Against Cyber Attacks 2023

A cyber assault is what?

Cybercriminals initiate cyberattacks using a variety of techniques, such as malware and phishing.

Malware, phishing, denial-of-service attacks, and ransomware are just a few of the numerous cyberattack techniques used by cybercriminals.

How you can safeguard yourself:

Here are some actions you may do to safeguard yourself from online threats.

Search for questionable downloads, attachments, and links:

Downloads, attachments, and links may include malware and ransomware. Before clicking on a link, be sure it is legitimate.
Make strong passwords and utilise them: You should always use lengthy, difficult-to-crack passwords. Use separate passwords for each account that are unique, i.e. Passwords must include capital letters, special characters, and at least 8 characters in length.
When possible, use multi-factor authentication
An additional layer of protection is added by multi-factor authentication. Use multi-factor authentication if it is available for the service you are using.
Internet connections should be secure:
If you plan to access or submit any personal information, only utilise “HTTPS” sites. Useless websites should not be used.

Regularly update your antivirus software:

Ensure that frequent updates are installed and that your anti-virus software is up to date.
Send any unusual activity to your IT department:
Inform the IT department of your business of any questionable emails, files, or links.

QUICK STEPS TO HELP YOU DEFEND YOURSELF FROM CYBER ATTACKS:

You probably believe you’re quite computer aware, whether it’s because you grew up around technology or are simply too careful. However, the majority of us have inadvertently had our online safety compromised.

Did you know that by the year 2022, Australians have already suffered losses of more than $336 million through internet fraud?

You can outwit the con artists at their own game, which is fantastic news! Use these five fast, simple methods to safeguard yourself right now.

At home, at work, at school, or when travelling, use your common sense and technology to be safe online.

 

VERIFY IF YOU’VE EVER BEEN PART OF A DATA BREACH:

Change the passwords for any accounts that have been flagged by haveibeenpwned.com(external link) as possibly having been hacked.

VERIFY THE POWER OF YOUR PASSWORDS:

Visit howsecureismypassword.net(external link) to check the strength of your passwords (use something similar to your original password to test its strength).

Remember that a longer password is more secure when picking one. A secure password has at least 12 characters and is hard to crack.

The best technique to make a lengthy password that you won’t forget is to use a sentence.

 

DON’T USE THESE PASSWORDS:

If you currently use any of the following passwords or similar variants, you should think carefully about changing them as soon as possible since they are among the most popular and straightforward to break.

TRUST NO ONE (ON EMAILS):

• 123456
• (or any other sequential number)
• 987654321
• 123123
• QWERTY
• 111111
• password

Although it may seem a little severe, always keep an eye out for phoney emails and corrupted websites (spam and phishing). Your information is at danger when you interact with them, and you risk

Downloading malware. Remember:

Never open emails from unknown senders
Deleted attachments from unexpected emails
Save yourself the dangerous clicks and enter the URL into your browser.

LOCK DOWN YOUR DEVICE:

Your personal information, money, and valuable data like images and texts might be taken if your mobile device is left unattended, misplaced, or stolen. Protect your equipment by:

installing virus protection software
defining a lock that requires a password, gesture, or fingerprint
if your device allows them, you may enable remote locking and/or wiping features by configuring the device to require a password before programmes are loaded, keeping Bluetooth hidden when not in use, and blocking automatic connection to networks.

Make good use of internet banking:

Since the introduction of internet banking, there have been several dangers to personal financial information. Malware assaults are one kind of hazard you should be aware of. Software code created with a malicious intent is known as malware. These harmful computer applications often include code created by online attackers. Your passwords are among the account information that the malware is programmed to collect during login. Additionally, account theft and bogus website subscriptions may be involved.

You may securely do online banking by taking the following actions:

• The first step is to regularly analyse and assess the bank’s online rules.
• You must use complicated login information. Change your identifying number often (PIN).
• Avoid using numbers that are simple to guess, like your birth year.
• You must safeguard your PC.
• You should start using your credit cards more often.
• Avoid utilising public computers to access your accounts. Public surveillance is quite likely. Free wifi is one example, as are other public networks.
• Periodically check the balance of your account.
• Check your bank’s emails often.
• You should inform the bank right away if you suspect an intrusion.

Configure your smartphone to be secure.

• Select a strong password that combines letters, numbers, and symbols.
• By setting web accounts, you can make sure your internet connection is safe.
• Avert clicking on dubious pop-ups and questionable URLs.
• Don’t post your phone number on open websites.
• Before downloading and subscribing to any applications.
• Take prompt action if your device is stolen.