Common cybersecurity mistakes you are making daily and how to avoid them

TechnologY By: Diya Sharma Date: August 31, 2024

Weak password

[{"selector":"#anim-c8ef6a4a-9883-4f1c-8729-7842ec0d4773 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Create robust passwords incorporating a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Picture credit: Canva

Reusing passwords

[{"selector":"#anim-232d608b-ea73-46c2-bf76-1e668b9c7cac [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Ensure each of your online accounts has a distinct password. Picture credit: Canva

Neglecting two-factor authentication (2FA)

[{"selector":"#anim-4f5a85e1-8cbf-4e9b-ab53-1028cafc6da1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Implement 2FA for an additional layer of security, which typically involves a code sent to your mobile device. Picture credit: Canva

Clicking on suspicious links

[{"selector":"#anim-3563b348-a4e2-4b32-a0e1-ac50863afbdd [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Exercise caution and verify the authenticity of links before clicking. Picture credit: Canva

Falling for phishing scams

[{"selector":"#anim-a84eff16-4cd1-46ff-bd99-3ebba1b709b2 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Be sceptical of unsolicited emails requesting personal information or urgent actions. Picture credit: Canva

Ignoring software updates

[{"selector":"#anim-9040c0fa-7f73-46f7-88b7-55a2e23c4f51 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Keep your software up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Picture credit: Canva

Using public Wi-Fi without precautions

[{"selector":"#anim-93edd654-f7fa-4c52-87a8-eea2d1a2f559 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Avoid accessing sensitive data on public networks or use a virtual private network (VPN) for encryption. Picture credit: Canva

Oversharing on social media

[{"selector":"#anim-31ec66da-e398-42d6-91d4-cb24dd47ae36 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Limit the amount of personal information you post publicly. Picture credit: Canva

Failing to back up data

[{"selector":"#anim-07a837ed-e36e-40ad-b22b-99fb23268c54 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Regularly backup important files using external storage or cloud services. Picture credit: Canva

Neglecting privacy settings

[{"selector":"#anim-9d3917a2-3073-4925-a829-b4dbf8bb0544 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Regularly review and update your privacy settings on various platforms. Picture credit: Canva

Not using antivirus software

[{"selector":"#anim-bed26b6f-7d8c-4000-add2-74e011fe8cb8 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Install and regularly update a reliable antivirus program to protect against malware. Picture credit: Canva

Falling for fake software updates

[{"selector":"#anim-8eab4597-2b8b-4558-a8f9-bbdf5c83645d [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(3.698224852071005%, -14.42968166420603%) scale(1.3968253968253967)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":5000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] Download updates only from official sources to prevent installing harmful software. Picture credit: Canva