In this article, I will cover 21 essential cybersecurity tips for 2022.

Today’s tips are simple cybersecurity tips to keep you safer online. I will cover 21 cybersecurity tips that are free to use and apply.

Without further ado, let’s jump into these cybersecurity tips. These should heavily apply to you if you have a big online presence.

Let’s dig in.

Cybersecurity Tip 1: Don’t wait for bad things to happen

If you haven’t taken any measures to secure yourself online you’re basically waiting for bad things to happen.

Unfortunately, nobody is truly safe online ever, and if you don’t take security measures you will probably get harassed in some way by spammers, phishers, hackers, and much more.

It is important that everyone takes proactive measures such as using strong passwords, updating software regularly, protecting their devices with anti-virus programs or other security tools, and other tips we’ll cover in this article to minimize the risk of becoming a target for hackers or malicious actors online.

Cybersecurity Tip 2: Realize you aren’t safe

Realizing that you are not safe is the first step in protecting yourself online. Cybercriminals can target anyone, regardless of their financial situation or the data stored on their devices and networks. 

It’s important to understand that these attacks don’t always have a personal element; some cybercriminals use automated tools which allow them to conduct mass-scale assaults without knowing anything about who they are attacking specifically. 

Therefore it’s critical for everyone using the internet – from casual users to business owners to be aware of what threats exist out there so they know how best to protect themselves against them. 

Cybersecurity Tip 3: Be picky with your password

You should have a password that has 12 characters, includes numbers(1, 2, 3), symbols(@, #, !), capitals(A, B, C), and lower-case letters(a,b,c). If you follow all those basic rules, your password should be nearly impossible to crack.

If you are typing your password in a public area, you should also look around to see if anyone is looking at your device. You should also never reuse passwords.

Cybersecurity Tip 4: Use 2 Factor-Authentication More

Two-factor authentication (2FA) is an important security measure that can help protect your accounts from unauthorized access. 

It works by requiring two forms of identification in order to log into a service, such as a username and a password plus another form of verification like a code sent via text message or email. 

This additional layer helps ensure that only you have the ability to gain entry into your account even if someone were able to guess or steal your passwords. 

Another way 2FA is beneficial is when it comes down to resetting forgotten usernames and passwords. Most services now require some sort of proof of identity before they will let you change them back, which would be impossible without having previously set up 2FA on the account first! 

By using this extra safety measure not only are you helping yourself stay secure but also reducing potential risks for everyone else connected with those same online services too – so make sure next time any new websites ask for information does take advantage of setting up Two Factor Authentication right away!

Cybersecurity Tip 5: Check you bank

You must check your bank statements frequently to protect yourself from fraud. You should review the transactions on a regular basis, such as weekly or monthly, so that you can catch anything out of the ordinary quickly. 

If suspicious activities are listed on your statement – whether it be an unfamiliar merchant name or the amount charged – alerting your financial institution immediately will help limit potential damage and fraudulently used funds. 

Additionally, if you ever suspect someone has gained access to your account information without permission, do not hesitate to contact them immediately since cyber criminals have been known to take advantage of unsuspecting victims by accessing their accounts without authorization.

Cybersecurity Tip 6: Automate updates

Automating updates is important in ensuring your system or device remains secure from malicious attacks. 

By automating the process, you can be sure that all of your applications and operating systems are up to date with any security patches released by their respective vendors. 

This helps prevent targeted cyberattacks which could potentially gain access to sensitive data stored on a machine.

Updating your apps can prevent 85% of targeted attacks according to the US-CERT. You need to keep your operating system and applications up to date. 

Cybersecurity Tip 7: Ransomware 101

Ransomware is when someone encrypts all your data and locks you out and asks for a ransom for that person to maybe give you the decryption key.

To prevent this I recommend you don’t keep any vital information on your computer, never open files from new people on email, and use trusted anti-virus software.

Here is how to build the perfect survival phone.

Cybersecurity Tip 8: Make sure you go on HTTPS websites only

Make sure you visit websites that are HTTPS only. If you do go on an HTTP website, you probably aren’t secure because whatever you’re doing on that website is pretty much for the public to see.

Cybersecurity Tip 9: Don’t download crap

You do not want a PUA/PUP on your computer(potentially unwanted application / potentially unwanted program), which are programs or applications that are installed unwillingly.

These things can display pop-ups, install a toolbar into your browser, and even replace your default search engine.

One way to prevent this is to know what you have downloaded and keep track to make sure that nothing else is there.

Cybersecurity Tip 10: Don’t allow email spam

Everyone has gotten spam, and it is very annoying.

To weed off most email spam, you can be careful where you submit your email address, unsubscribe to any unwanted newsletters, use filters in your email, never click on links in spam email, never open files in spam email, and open an email devoted to crap mail(or use 10-minute mail).

Cybersecurity Tip 11: Use a VPN

Using a VPN is an important step in keeping your online activity secure. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts the data you send and receive over the internet, protecting it from malicious actors looking to intercept or steal sensitive information. 

This makes it difficult for anyone monitoring your network traffic to track which sites you visit and what activities you engage in while on those websites. 

Additionally, using a VPN can help hide where exactly you’re located as well by masking your IP address so that remote servers only see the location of the virtual private server instead of yours directly.

When choosing a trusted VPN provider, there are several factors to consider, such as speed, reliability, and security measures offered, like end-to-end encryption protocols with strong authentication methods used when establishing connections between devices or networks and ensuring no one else has access during communication sessions. 

It’s also wise to consider if they offer any additional features like malware protection services, split tunneling options allowing specific applications/sites to bypass through secured tunnels, and more. 

Doing thorough research prior to selecting the right service helps ensure all personal data remains protected even under the most extreme conditions!

Cybersecurity Tip 12: Nothing is truly free

When it comes to online products and services, nothing is truly free. If you come across something that looks too good to be true, chances are it probably is. 

You should always do your research before taking advantage of any offer or downloading a product from an unknown source – especially if the item in question has no price tag attached.

It’s important to look into who owns the website offering “free” items as well as what information they require for access—like personal details such as credit card numbers and passwords. 

Doing so can help protect yourself against potential scams where hidden fees may eventually appear down the line once you’ve already provided them with sensitive data about yourself without realizing it due to not researching further beforehand.

Cybersecurity Tip 13: Be careful who you friend

Sometimes, people on social media will befriend you, to ultimately extract data(passwords, documents, etc.) from you.

You shouldn’t trust anyone new online and you should assume that the information you gave to someone new online is already leaked.

Some warning signs include too little generic information, profile picture that looks like a stock photo, and very few connections. You can use https://tineye.com/ to verify if a profile picture is a stock photo.

Cybersecurity Tip 14: It doesn’t matter if they don’t do it

It is always good to be safe online, taking basic online precautions to ensure maximum security.

It doesn’t matter if your friends or family doesn’t use 2-FA, use an anti-virus, or use a VPN, if you use it, you are much safer than them online.

Cybersecurity Tip 15: Purge your apps

I recommend you check all the apps in your phone and see the one’s you haven’t used in over 3 months if you don’t see yourself using that app a lot, my recommendation is to uninstall those apps.

When downloading a new app, you should always revoke giving any personal information. You should also always keep your apps updated.

Here is why digital footprints are dangerous and how to remove it.

Cybersecurity Tip 16: Don’t trust your webcam

I recommend you put duct tape over your webcam. There are viruses that could leak in your computer and creeps could be spying on you from time to time.

Cybersecurity Tip 17: Don’t post photos of your kids for the public to creep on

Do not post photos of your children on social media.

First off, if there is anything that can be considered the slightest bit embarrassing, it will be used against them in their adult life and possibly trash their online reputation.

Secondly, you have no idea where your photos could end up. There are pedophiles out there that know where you live(assuming you don’t use a VPN), you definitely don’t want them to see your photos.

Cybersecurity Tip 18: Adblockers are good for more than blocking ads

Adblockers are extensions that block ads. There are many free extrensions, I recommend you use a well-known extension for cybersecurity purposes.

Blocking those ads is huge up already, but if that isn’t enough for you, they also help to block threats and malicious advertising(how malware is distributed through online advertising networks).

Cybersecurity Tip 19: Social media isn’t safe

Social platforms are lurking with cybercriminals that will impersonate, manipulate, steal data/ money, and take over accounts. 

Cybersecurity Tip 20: Don’t save your credit/ debit card information

Saving your credit/debit card information on websites or applications is risky and should be avoided. Once stored in the wrong hands, this kind of data can lead to identity theft or fraudulent charges made with stolen cards. 

To protect yourself from such risks, it’s important not to save this type of sensitive information anywhere online where unauthorized users could access it.

Instead, you should manually enter your details each time when making purchases so that only legitimate sites can access them – thus minimizing the chances for fraudsters getting their hands on them. 

Moreover, consider using payment methods like PayPal, which offer additional layers of security due to its two-factor authentication process and other protective measures against cybercrime activities related to payments processing services.

Cybersecurity Tip 21: You probably won’t even notice your computer is infected

Users often are unaware that their computer is infected with a virus or malware. This could be because viruses and malware can often operate in stealth mode without making any noticeable changes to your device. 

Some of these malicious programs might even collect personal data from your system while remaining invisible to you.

All users need to take preventive measures against cyberattacks by installing trusted antivirus software and keeping it up-to-date at regular intervals to avoid getting caught off guard when faced with such threats.

Conclusion

I hope you picked up a cybersecurity tip or two and you actually use it.

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