What are The Best Cybersecurity Measures in 2023?

Cybersecurity must be your primary goal in 2023 because there’s an influx of hacking attempts. The prime target is data breaches, and there’s an unprecedented increase in automotive hacking due to the introduction of autonomous vehicles.

So, the question is – Are you doing enough to protect your privacy and security online?

Undoubtedly, the Internet takes up a significant chunk of your daily life. From communicating with your friends on social media sites to collaborating with your team using remote desktop software and ordering food online, there’s nothing you cannot do on the web. Life has definitely become much easier as you can shop, play games, stream movies, work and do everything in between with a single touch on your phone or laptop. But the risks are too significant to ignore.

Here are some cybersecurity measures to take in 2023.

VPNs to The Rescue!

Premium VPNs like Surfshark, CyberGhost, and NordVPN are your first line of defense. It will keep your private information secure and maintain online privacy.

VPNs hide and encrypt online traffic, disguise location, and IP address, and mask all online activity from online snoopers, ISP, websites, advertisers, and even the government.

If you use VPN, the data transmitted between the website and the server will pass through an encrypted tunnel. If a hacker manages to access this data, they will see warbled texts that make no sense. That’s why you must always turn on VPN when connecting to public Wi-Fi and before joining your company’s secure network to access files.

Besides offering online security and protection, VPN lets users access geo-blocked content. Therefore, if you want to watch Netflix shows from a different country, use VPN and change Netflix region. It will appear as if you are in your chosen country server while sitting in your home. 

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

MFA or multi-factor authentication is a security process that demands users to provide several pieces of evidence to verify their identity. MFA is widely used to secure emails, financial accounts, and other online accounts. With this enabled, hackers will have a tough time acquiring your personal data.

If MFA is enabled, you will need to access your account by entering your password and then entering the security code sent to your phone or email. You may even turn on biometric authentication.

Use Strong Password

Using a strong password is a simple yet effective cybersecurity measure. You would think that everyone would be aware of this by now, but you’ll be surprised.

There are so many people who continue to use their anniversary date, mother’s name, pet’s name, or such other information as their password. This makes it way too easy for hackers.

When it comes to creating passwords, don’t think about making them easier for you to remember. Instead, consider your account’s security and how well you can protect it from hackers. That’s why you must refrain from using the same password across multiple platforms. Instead, you must use distinct passwords for all your online accounts. If you need help remembering all the passwords, use a password manager.

Some tips for creating strong passwords:

• The passwords must be more than eight characters and a maximum of sixty-four characters.
• Do not use the same password twice.
• Never use passwords that are easy to remember, and don’t leave clues for hackers by using your birth date or other personal information.
• Use at least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number, and a few special characters and symbols.
• Change your password frequently.

Use Antivirus Software and Firewalls

Hackers employ different methods to attack your networks and systems, such as spyware, trojans, phishing attacks, and viruses. They employ these methods to access your data.

You can put a stop to these attempts by installing antivirus software and turning on the firewall. This will equip your device with the tools needed to defend itself against these attacks.

Ensure the antivirus program and firewall you are using are regularly updated.

Regularly Update your Software and System

This one is a no-brainer. Software and system updates come with the latest security patches. They patch security holes and ensure your system is well-equipped to defend against hacking attempts and protect your device.

Updating your software and system is one of the most essential cybersecurity tips for users and the workplace. Unfortunately, hackers are quick to exploit the vulnerabilities and flaws of old systems, but updating them will thwart hacking attempts.

Besides these, you must be careful not to indulge in the following activities:

• Do not use unsecured Wi-Fi connections without VPN.
• Do not download movies, songs, or apps from unreliable websites. Always check the source before clicking Download.
• Avoid clicking on pop-up ads, which may redirect you to malicious websites.
• Do not respond to emails sent by unknown senders.
• Refrain from providing your private information to websites that do not have HTTPS certification.

These cybersecurity measures will keep you safe and keep hackers out of your system and network.