Hack Job: A guide to Cyber Security

The internet can be a scary place, where hackers steal hundreds of millions of passwords in one swoop.  Here’s the good news: there are basic steps that can keep you generally safe on the internet and  we’re going to tell you what they are.

Threat modelling

No one security plan is identical to any other.  For example, you and Bill Gates should take different precautions.  That said, overlooking what actually matters to you and your particular threat is a common mistake.  Evaluate your digital life, then determine what’s important and needs protecting.

Keep your apps updated

Probably the most important and basic thing you can do to protect yourself is using up-to-date software.  Many common cyber attacks take advantage of flaws in outdated software such as old browsers or PDF readers.  By keeping everything up to date, you have a way lower chance of becoming a victim of ransomware for example.

Passwords

We all have too many passwords to remember, which is why people just reuse the same ones over and over.  Don’t do that.  There’s a better way: password managers.  These are apps that keep track of passwords for you, automatically help you create good passwords, and simplify your online life.  If you use a manager, all you have to remember is one password, the one that unlocks the vault of your passwords.

Two-Factor Authentication

Having unique, strong passwords is a great first step, but even those can be stolen.

By enabling  two-factor your’ll need something more than just your password to log into those accounts.  Usually, it’s a numerical code sent to your mobile phone, or it can be a code created by an ad-hoc app (which is great if your phone doesn’t have network coverage at the time you’re logging in).