Cybersecurity has never been more important. With hackers developing techniques to catch people out left, right, and center, it takes more than a keen eye to keep your personal information safe. If you use your devices for work, it’s even more vital that you prioritize security.

In addition to keeping your personal details safe, you’ll also be keeping your business data safe. So, with technology advancing in every step, how do you keep yourself safe online in 2024?

Strong Passwords

You’ve probably noticed your devices recommending that you change passwords or offering password options to you when you create new passwords. This is because we’ve reached an age where any old password won’t do.

It has to be something that any potential hacker won’t be able to guess or come across among your information. Strong passwords don’t look like they used to. Your passwords need to be complex and different for each account you sign into.

Virtual Private Networks

VPN’s are a must for any business that has traveling employees. These employees may use their devices to access work databases while out of the office. If you use your devices to work while you’re sitting in a coffee shop or on a plane, you should know how to change your IP address.

Look at how to change IP address on Windows if you use Windows regularly to work. You need to be sure that you can access the internet safely without anyone being able to gain access to valuable information.

Multi Factor Authentication

Many online platforms are now asking for multi-factor authentication. It’s like a double, or even triple, layer of protection for your information. In addition to the correct password, you may be asked to input a code that’s been sent to your phone. Additional authentication may include a code you have set yourself or facial recognition.

These layers of authentication ensure that someone posing as you can’t gain access to your accounts. At times multi factor authentication can feel like a hassle but it is necessary for cybersecurity in this age.

Update Software

It’s a simple step in cybersecurity that many people forget about. Because updates are often automatic, it can be difficult to notice when updates haven’t worked successfully. Hackers are constantly looking for any little hole in your security that could give them enough access to steal what’s yours.

If your devices aren’t updated regularly, they are constantly at risk. Make sure to check for any uninstalled updates on all of your devices.

Data Backups 

Have you got all of your essential information backed up? In the event of a hacker gaining access to your accounts and locking you out of them, you’ll need all essential information. This will help you regain access to accounts and do some damage control so you don’t have to start from scratch with everything.

If you can’t regain your information because you forgot to back it up, the situation can become much worse. You’ll be forced to close your accounts for safety and start all over again.

Partner With Professionals

Cybersecurity evolves so quickly that it's difficult to keep up with all the changes. If you need to stay on top of cybersecurity for your job or your business, it’s worth partnering with an expert. Cybersecurity can feel like a full time job but if you have someone who can advise you of your next move, it’s less work.

A professional can monitor the security measure in place and tell you what changes need to be made at each review. It saves you from guessing and just hoping you’ve done it right.

Zero-Trust Security

Right now, most systems are set up to recognize users that have gained access before and not see them as a security risk. However, what if a cyber attack was to come from the inside. These days hackers wait to gain control of a trusted account before attacking the hub as a whole.

Many businesses are now adopting a zero-trust security model so every person who accesses a database must prove they’re trustworthy each time they enter. This limits the risk of hackers gaining access from trusted accounts. These zero trust models can be implemented using a dedicated cybersecurity team.

The problem with advancing technology is that the bad guys get a hold of it too. To keep ahead of cybersecurity threats, you have to stay abreast of new innovations. If you’ve found this article helpful, take a look at the others.

Cover Photo by Dan Nelson on Unsplash