10 Steps to Personal Cybersecurity
1. Protect Your Personal Information
Never post your home address, date of birth, phone number, or email address online. Think twice before sharing photos or videos of yourself—once posted, they may remain online forever. Adjust your social media privacy settings to limit who can view your posts. Unsure? Visit www.getsafeonline.org for guidance.
2. Think Before You Click, Post, or Connect
Be cautious about who you interact with online. Don’t accept friend requests or meet up with people you don’t know in real life. Speak to someone you trust if you’re unsure. Always think before you post—offensive or inappropriate content could get you into trouble, and in some cases, break the law.
3. Keep Software Updated
Enable automatic updates for your operating system, browsers, and applications to ensure optimal performance and security. Outdated software is one of the most common entry points for hackers. Keep plug-ins like Flash or Java updated—or better yet, uninstall them if not needed.
4. Avoid Phishing Scams
Be cautious of emails, texts, or calls requesting personal or financial information. Cybercriminals may pose as banks, delivery companies, or even friends. Never click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments. When in doubt, contact the organisation directly using a trusted method.
5. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Don’t reuse passwords across accounts. Use a mix of upper/lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and securely store complex passwords.
6. Be Cautious with Links and Downloads
Don’t click on unknown links or download files from untrusted websites or emails. One careless click could infect your device with malware or ransomware. If something looks off—trust your instincts and delete it.
7. Physically Secure Your Devices
Lock your screen when stepping away, and don’t leave devices unattended in public places. Store USB drives and hard disks securely, and shut down your desktop when not in use. Treat physical security as seriously as digital.
8. Install and Maintain Antivirus Software
Use antivirus software from a well-known, trusted provider. Keep it updated to protect against the latest threats. Run regular scans and enable real-time protection features.
9. Back Up Your Data Regularly
Use external drives or cloud storage to back up important files. Backups are your safety net—if your system is compromised, a clean restore may be your only option.
10. Secure Your Mobile Devices
Lock your phone with a strong PIN or password.
Only install apps from official app stores.
Keep your device’s software updated.
Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited texts or emails.
Enable encryption and device tracking (e.g. Find My iPhone, Android Device Manager).
Back up your phone regularly.