7 Cybersecurity Tips to Help You Become Cybersmart

Cybersecurity usually isn’t the first thing you think of when you’re downloading an app on public Wi-Fi, end up using the same password for all your accounts, or ignoring a pop-up for a software update for days. To most people, these are just common everyday occurrences, but the truth is that being careless on your connected devices may leave you vulnerable to cyber attacks.

Take a look at what the experts have to say: this year, the National Cyber Security Alliance is focusing on security themes associated with the Internet of Things, staying safe at work and home (and while working at home), and promoting connected safety in the future. These security themes apply to anyone using connected devices. Being mindful of your cyber habits in every situation and application is key to helping protect your personal information.

Get some tips below on staying safe on your connected devices whether you're out and about or working, playing, or learning from home. These seven dos and don'ts can help you become cybersmart.

1. Don't leave your Wi-Fi open.

While the numbers fluctuate depending on who you ask, one survey indicates that around 40% of American adults could be working at home at this point. That's due both to COVID-19 safety measures as well as general cultural changes in what workers want from an employer.

Your home Wi-Fi network is a digital path and door leading right into the heart of your network, where your connections, communications, and data come and go. If you leave your Wi-Fi open—choosing not to protect it with a username and password—you leave the door wide open for hackers.

Even though most of your friends and neighbors might respect your open Wi-Fi and you can trust them, someone out there—not necessarily in your neighborhood—might be looking to take advantage of it.

2. Do be wary when using open Wi-Fi connections.

Public Wi-Fi connections typically are protected with a password. You might log in with the username "Guest" and "ChocoMocha" as the password at a favorite coffee shop, for example.

But guess what? Everyone else in that coffee shop has access to the same guest log-in, and you simply don't know who is on the network with you.

That doesn't mean you must eschew working in coffee shops or avoid checking out social media while you sip a hot beverage. But do pay attention to what types of activity you perform. It's a good idea to avoid logging into financial accounts or using a browser that has passwords saved because hackers on the same network might be able to access that information.

3. Don't constantly download apps on a whim.

Hundreds—thousands—of free apps are available to meet all kinds of entertainment, productivity, and personal needs. Unfortunately, not all free apps have your best interests in mind.

Some free apps make their money via annoying ad processes, but others get money by selling your information to third parties. And the worst apps are created by shady developers and organizations that are looking for a window into your device or information so they can use it to exploit you or steal from you.

Don't download apps you don't actually need, do your research when you do choose to use an app, and stick with verified apps in your app store when possible.

4. Do check, set, and understand privacy settings.

Whether you're downloading a new app or installing a smart speaker in your home, take time to understand the privacy settings and customize them.

Most technology comes with default settings that are more invasive than you might want. For example, devices with the capability to connect to the internet almost always do so by default and feed back information to a parent company. That might include troubleshooting reports, but it could also include general data about how you use the device in question.

If you're not going to use the web-connected features of a device, consider turning off the connection. You can also usually set privacy details to control how much of your information is shared and with who.

5. Don't stick with default names and passwords.

Most connected devices and routers arrive with a username and password. You probably know someone who still uses a login of "admin" and a password such as EYS329ud9d%0o103 for their Wi-Fi.

While that's a super strong password, if you use it over a period of years, it's not secure. And "admin" as a username is typically the first thing someone will try when attempting to hack an account. Change your username to something unique if possible and update your password every 90 days or so.

When you create a new password, avoid short or easy-to-guess phrases and number sequences. Don't use people's birthdays, for example. Create passwords that are at least 12 characters long and are made up of random strings of letters, numbers, and special characters.

6. Do use a VPN connection when possible.

VPN stands for virtual private network. It's an extra level of protection you can use when connecting to the internet to browse, stream entertainment, or complete work.

VPN services help protect your information and networks in a variety of ways. While it can get pretty technical, here are the basics of how they work.

• Your traffic is routed through a VPN server. So, your digital "home location" won't match your actual location.

• Your IP address is masked and may change as you use the service. This serves two purposes. First, your actual IP address, which is the unique sequence of numbers that identifies your activity as coming from your network and device, is not disclosed. That reduces the ability for hackers to "find" you or your device virtually. Second, a dynamic IP that changes as you browse means that you're less trackable online. Hackers and even legit businesses can't use your online behavior to target you with ads or more unsavory activity.

• Your information is encrypted. The data that moves back and forth between you, the VPN server, and websites is typically protected with high-level encryption. The best, most reputable VPN companies use AES 256-bit encryption—that's the strongest encryption available for commercial use in 2020 and is actually used by some government organizations.

7. Don't forget about or ignore firmware or software updates.

Once you protect your devices with strong passwords, secure networks, and services such as VPN, don't forget to keep everything up to date. Outdated software and hardware is often easier to hack. This is especially true of mobile devices—updates often address security issues that might have been found or created when new technology came along.

Computers and mobile devices are kind enough to remind you—often repeatedly—that updates are available. Some apps may also remind you, but not all do. Schedule some time on your calendar once a month to check your app store for updates to any apps you've downloaded. If you have smart technology that you don't keep connected to the internet, such as a stereo receiver or Blu-ray player, it's a good idea to periodically connect them and check for firmware updates.

Ultimately, knowledge is power when it comes to keeping yourself, your family, and your information safe. It's also true when you're protecting your devices, networks, and data throughout the year.