The digital environment we live in continues to get more complex every day with new software, a more remote workforce, and constantly evolving networks. This is why learning top cybersecurity tips is crucial in protecting yourself. This also means that hackers and people attempting to steal your business or personal information are always coming up with more sophisticated methods of doing so.
Cybersecurity and setting up practices for protecting your information should not be a one-and-done effort. You should be regularly checking on your accounts, doing necessary updates, and being particularly careful when it comes to any digital activity. Here are five ways you can help protect both your business and personal data with top cybersecurity tips.
1. Always Use Multifactor Authentication When Possible
Websites, software platforms, and almost all digital programs now allow some form of multifactor authentication when setting up an account. This setting may not turn on automatically, however, so it’s important to take the initiative to set it up if it is not already.
Multifactor authentication can be accomplished in a few ways, whether that is by sending a code to your mobile device, sending a verification email, or requiring a fingerprint on capable devices. Multifactor authentication is critical as top cybersecurity tips for all accounts you own, not just your bank or financial accounts. This includes things like email, social media accounts, programs you use for your business, and anywhere else someone could find identifying information about you or your business.
If a hacker can break into one account, they are more likely to be able to access information that could lead them into more critical accounts like banking or other finances.
2. Use Complex Passwords and Update Them Regularly
We know how easy it is to want to use the same or similar passwords for different accounts so as not to forget them. However, this leaves you much more vulnerable to data and information theft. Firstly, use passwords that wouldn’t be easy to guess. Often this means a string of random numbers, letters, and symbols that don’t have a particular meaning to you (compared to things like pets’ names, birthdays, etc.).
You also want to update your passwords regularly. The longer you have the same password for an account, the more time there is for it to be discovered and hacked into. If you find it difficult to keep track of your passwords, there are plenty of portals and applications that allow you to store them securely.
Also be wary of sending passwords via email, text message, or other similar forms of communication, as that can make it easier for your information to be accessed.
3. Keep Your Software and Applications Up to Date
When you get that little notification letting you know that your phone, computer software, web browsers, and other platforms are due for an upgrade, it can be easy to hit ‘ignore’. But these updates are actually critical for helping protect your data from malware and viruses. Be sure to turn on automatic updates or reminders and help protect your devices with anti-virus software.
4. Trust Your Gut
If an email, text, or phone call seems suspicious, trust your gut. If you don’t know who it’s from, it has a suspicious amount of urgency and requests immediate action or any personal information, do not engage with it, and do not click on any links — even if the details appear accurate or legitimate in any way. Hackers are doing everything in their power to try and fool you (and they can be very good at it).
Have questions about protecting your accounts? At Republic Bank, we use the latest and greatest protection software and procedures to secure our customers’ personal and business information and we can help you do the same. Reach out to us at 800-526-9127 for more information and visit our library of resources for additional tips on banking, business, and more.
