We must exercise the strictest cybersecurity hygiene in 2021 as our reliance on technology is stronger than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

It is not just the cybersecurity or IT team’s responsibility to keep the organization’s data safe/ Whatever your industry is and wherever you’re working, cybersecurity hygiene is a responsibility shared by all. 

However, the potential for network compromise drastically increased because of the rise in mobile computing. Most employees use their personal devices when dealing with work-related stuff. 

Furthermore, remote working has made employees demand flexible and seamless enterprise access. Mobility indeed has a lot of benefits such as increased productivity and collaboration. Yet, it also introduces new security risks to the organization.

What Is Cybersecurity Hygiene? 

This refers to the practices and steps that users take to uphold online security and system health. Cybersecurity hygiene ensures that hackers won’t gain access to sensitive data.

Moreover, much like physical hygiene, cybersecurity hygiene must be consistent to eliminate common threats and natural deterioration of devices. 

Cybersecurity Hygiene Tips 

Be suspicious of all emails

Cybercriminals have a lot of methods in their arsenal to steal data. One of those methods is phishing. It is an old yet effective method that still victimizes many people. 

Hackers pretend to be someone highly regarded like your boss, banks, or government agencies. They will send emails asking you to give up sensitive information such as health and financial records. 

Phishing also involves luring victims into clicking a link in an email or download an attachment. Such links contain malware that could infect your computer. Thus, you must avoid taking action on suspicious-looking/sounding emails.

Stay away from malicious websites.

Most of us are spending more time on the internet as people are staying home because of the pandemic. Online shopping has become stronger than ever. Hence, attackers use this opportunity to lure people to use a website we shouldn’t visit. 

Attackers commonly use the following types of websites to host malware:

• Gambling
• P2P streaming 
• Gaming 
• Porn sites

Browsing on these sites could get you into trouble so it is best to avoid them.

Develop a strong password habit

This is a simple but very effective cybersecurity hygiene practice. You must use strong passwords across all devices and accounts. Moreover, enable two-factor authentication across all devices and accounts. 

Your passwords must incorporate numbers and special characters. Additionally, avoid reusing passwords across accounts. Doing otherwise makes it easier for hackers to break into your other accounts once one of your accounts is breached. 

However, many people are having a hard time remembering all of their passwords. Use acronyms or phrases to help with remembering passwords. Using password management software is also a great help in tracking your passwords. 

Others view two-factor authentication as a waste of time. Yet, enabling this feature gives you an extra layer of defense. It ensures that only authorized people can access sensitive data. 

Deploy a strong antivirus

Today, cybercriminals are using the same tactics they use against businesses when attacking home computers. Installing reputable antivirus software stops the majority of attacks that have been previously successful.