Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be confusing or difficult if you follow these six simple tips.
Protecting yourself and your precious data from online criminals can seem overwhelming, but don’t despair! With this guide, cyber security is within your reach.
Don’t put off software updates
No one likes to be bothered, especially if it’s our smartphones, laptops, and other devices nagging us to install the latest software updates. But it’s vital to download and install them as soon as you can, as they can patch security holes and flaws that cybercriminals could otherwise exploit.
If you’re not sure how to do this, or if you want to set up automatic software updates to make the process as smooth as possible, these instructions can help. [LINKS].
iOS and iPadOS
android
Windows
macOS
Don’t put off software updates on your devices for too long.
Don’t forget your router. Vodafone supplied models will do this automatically download and install updates during the night Most other routers will work the same way. But with some models, you may need to download and install updates manually.
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Protecting your broadband router from hackers is essential as it is the gateway to your entire online life. Here’s what you need to do to make sure your WiFi router is as secure as possible. The good news is that this only takes a few minutes.
Be selective with public WiFi networks
While Wi-Fi in public places like coffee shops, restaurants, and train stations can be useful, many don’t offer password protection, so they could easily peek into your unencrypted wireless connection.
If you must use public WiFi, be careful when using it for sensitive tasks and consider using a reputable VPN [virtual private network] service. VPNs encrypt all internet traffic going in and out of your computing devices.
Don’t forget password hygiene
Passwords are the keys to our online lives, from online shopping and banking to email and smartphone backups. Therefore, it is advisable not to reuse the same password or passwords, or share them with anyone else, including friends and family. And make sure they can’t be easily guessed.
To make all of this easier for you, consider using a password manager. These keep all your passwords in one safe place. You only need to remember one master password for your password manager instead of dozens and dozens. They can also automatically create strong passwords when you sign up for new accounts and services.
Your digital life: how to preserve it after you die
So much of our lives are lived online these days – all those photos, videos, social chats and blog posts are like the digital tapestries of our lives. But what happens to all this when we die? A little planning now can ensure your digital legacy is preserved for posterity.
Basic password managers are built into iOS and the Google Chrome browser on both mobile and desktop. You can also subscribe to password managers with more featuressuch as Dashlane or 1Password if you prefer.
Think twice about email and text messages
It pays to keep a skeptical eye on your email inbox and SMS app. will often impersonate organizations such as banks and government agencies, sending you fake emails and text messages. These will include links to spoofed login web pages, trying to trick you into giving up your precious passwords. The National Cyber Security Centre, a UK government agency, has tips for spotting these phishing emails and texts..
Turn on and use 2FA
To protect yourself and further protect your online accounts against criminal intruders, enable two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA.
When you log in with 2FA, in addition to providing your username and password, you must prove that you physically have something that only you should have access to, usually your smartphone or your dongle or key fob that generate numbers
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Every time you sign in to an app or website that uses 2FA, it sends you a one-time security password via SMS to your registered mobile number or via a separate authenticator app (such as Google Authenticator or Authy ) on your phone.
So even if criminals know your password, they still won’t be able to access your account unless they also have your 2FA device. It’s worth using a reputable authentication app instead of SMS whenever possible, as texts aren’t as secure. Plus, the apps work even if you don’t have a mobile signal.
Subscribe to Secure Net
Vodafone’s Secure Net offers a reassuring extra layer of protection when you use your mobile data connection. Integrated into the Vodafone network, it automatically warns you about untrustworthy websites and download links, so you’re less likely to download malware.
If you somehow manage to download or copy malware onto your Android device, the Android version of the Secure Net app can detect and remove it. You can also use Secure Net to restrict access to certain websites on your children’s devices while using mobile data, such as those involving adult content, hate speech, weapons, drugs, and crime. Specific websites can also be blocked, all controlled from your own device.
You can try Secure Net for free for three months. After that there is a monthly fee of £1 per device.
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