Whether you own a business or you are a private user of the web, the moment you connect to the
Internet, you are at risk of becoming the victim of hackers. Every single digital device that is connected
to the World Wide Web needs to have cyber security in place, and with that in mind, here are a few
things that you can do to improve your online security.
Change passwords often – This can be time-consuming, but you can use password-generating
software that automatically remembers passwords, plus you can choose the setting to
extremely strong. If you run a business, ask all your office employees to change their passwords
every month and you can provide the software.
Install a firewall – If you run a firewall, this acts as another layer of security and hackers hate
firewalls; the top intranet systems software comes with a built-in firewall, so you don’t have to
worry. If, for example, you store your business data on the cloud, your managed IT services
provider should offer 24/7 cyber-security to ensure your data is safe
Never open unknown email attachments – This is one-way cyber-criminals infect a computer;
you receive an email that looks innocent enough and the attachment is called ‘double click me
to find out your prize’, so you double click, which sets a .exe file command going and your PC is
now infected with malicious software. Should you receive an email and you suspect the
attachment, don’t open it, rather quarantine the email and let your network administrator
handle it. Click here for information on mobile click fraud, which is becoming a big problem.
Don’t use open Wi-Fi – It is possible to be hacked while connected to a coffee shop Wi-Fi; use a
VPN (Virtual Private Network) for extra protection. Hackers are constantly looking for new and
innovative ways to steal data, so we have to be one step ahead. If you run a business, train your
staff about ways hackers try to gain access to networks and you won’t regret it.
Contact a cyber-security specialist – The best solution is to call in cyber-security professionals
and let them set up protective systems that ensure your data is secure. The web is the best
place to start your search for a leading cyber-security specialist; it depends on the size of your
network as to the best forms of web security. You could ask a local cyber-security company to
carry out penetrative testing when ethical hackers try to breach your web defences. This is the
best way to test your defences and should they succeed, a hole can be plugged.
All of the above can help tighten your Internet security, which is better than becoming a victim; don’t be
one of those people who think cybercrime happens to others, it is a very real threat