Do you know what cybercrime is?

Did you know that 71 % of all cyberattacks are financially motivated? The cost of cybercrime is estimated to be around 10,5 trillion dollars by 2025. Most of us cannot even imagine this amount of money. Cybersecurity is something every user with a phone or any other electronic device should know. Most people who are not very informed about cybersecurity trust their passwords consisting of their date of birth or nickname. That is a terrible mistake to make.

Cyber security is becoming increasingly important as more and more people rely on internet-connected devices, from mobile phones to computers. Cyber security protects your devices from hackers and viruses and ensures confidentiality.

Although it sounds like a fantasy, you don’t have to have any technical background to prevent your devices from being misused for criminal activity.

Cybersecurity sounds fanciful, but you don’t need an extensive technology background to prevent criminal misuse of your devices. Here are 5 simple cybersecurity tips that everyone should follow.

The importance of strong passwords

One of the most common ways hackers break into computers and other devices is by guessing their owners’ passwords. Creating a strong password can protect you from unauthorized access by cybercriminals. Hackers can get through your password within a minute if it is not strong enough.

Although it can be difficult to remember them all yourself, you can use a password management tool or an app to avoid constantly mistaking one password for another.

Also consider using multi-step authentication, which many companies offer. This method adds an extra layer of security because you would have to enter a code in addition to the password that is sent to your email or sent to your phone.

Keep your software up to date

You may be impatient to finish updating the software on your phone or laptop, but it’s worth taking the time. Software updates often include new features and are designed to improve the stability and security of the software. Since viruses are constantly changing, your device’s software must also adapt to improve cybersecurity.

When companies discover security holes, updating is an ideal way for them to prevent hackers from stealing data and other information from your devices. So the next time you’re hesitant to endure a lengthy phone or personal computer update, consider the risks of having outdated software.

Backing up your data

Have you ever lost a file or a photo you were working on for a few hours just because you forgot to click the save button? The same thing can happen to your data without proper backup. If your device gets infected by a virus, your hard drive crashes or gets damaged and you can suddenly lose all your data, including important documents and photos. Backing up your device can prevent such a disaster and should be done regularly.

How can you back up your data?

Install and use an antivirus software

Viruses cause problems such as slowing down your device, corrupting and deleting files, and crashing your hard drive. Antivirus software protects your device from viruses by detecting and removing them before they cause damage.

In addition to protecting you from viruses, antivirus software can also block spam and ads which is very useful for every internet user. It can defend your device from hackers, protect your data and files, and act as protection from other cyber threats online.

When choosing antivirus software, don’t just decide on price. You should consider the software’s email scanning capabilities, download protection, speed, malware scanning ability, device compatibility, and privacy policy to get the most for your money.

Some of the best antivirus programs

Norton is our number one and we highly recommend it to you. Norton antivirus products offer password managers, unlimited VPN data, identity theft protection, parental controls, and even online storage. If you’re willing to pay full price, you get almost every kind of digital security you could ever need.

Be careful when using public Wi-Fi

Although the use of public Wi-Fi has increased in recent years, the cyber security threats associated with it are still a concern. Hackers can create their networks or use other public networks to steal information without the user knowing.

When using public Wi-Fi, avoiding sensitive activities such as online shopping or banking is best. You should also look for a network that requires a password. In most public places, such as coffee shops or stores, people will have the password available after making a purchase or upon request from a potential customer. The public Wi-Fi usually has a very weak password, so It is easier to hack it and steal data.

Another way to protect your device when using a public Wi-Fi network is to ensure the websites you visit are secure, use a firewall or set up a virtual private network (VPN).

Using VPN (what is it and why to use it)

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, it creates a secure connection between you and the internet. It gives you an extra layer of anonymity and privacy. Using a VPN hides your real IP address and encrypts your internet connection.  The best thing about it is, that you do not have to be a technical expert to make it work.

VPN has a lot of uses while browsing the internet, for example, it can change your online location or make your browsing history private and your activities anonymous. The only thing you need to ensure your VPN is working well is to have a well-working device.

If you are using a VPN for the first time, here are our three tips for the best VPN

CyberGhost is a VPN we recommend the most. It is very easy to work with, it is supported on all different platforms, and the price is acceptable too. You can also connect up to 7 devices with just one subscription.