November 30 is celebrated as International Computer Security Day. It’s a good opportunity to recall some of the basic facts and rules of cybersecurity – to ensure a safer future. To do that, here are some key points to note about computer security today
Between July - September 2021, Kaspersky solutions:
- Blocked 1.1 billion attacks from online resources across the globe.
- Detected 62.6 billion unique malicious and potentially unwanted objects.
- Detected 35.9 million pieces of malware.
- Stopped attempts to run malware for stealing money from online bank accounts on the computers of 104.257 unique users.
- Blocked 46.3 million attempts to open phishing links, as detected by the company’s Anti-Phishing system. A total of 3.56% of Kaspersky users encountered this threat.
The best way to celebrate this awareness day is to think about the security of your computer, network data and cloud storage. For example, change your password, set up two-factor authentication, or just Google yourself to understand what personal data is available in the public domain.
To help with this, Kaspersky has prepared a short guide on how to strengthen a level of computer security and privacy in the digital space. The company recommends:
- Updating software on all devices. Many safety issues can be solved by installing updated versions of software. According to a recent Kaspersky study, 50% of users push the ‘remind me later’ button once they receive an update notification, with the main justification being that they are busy with other things.
- Installing a trusted security solution and follow its recommendations. The platform will solve the majority of problems automatically and alert a user if necessary.
- Using secure passwords. It is a good idea to update basic passwords for mail, social platforms, and other online services. The most important rule is not to use the same password for multiple accounts. Take this test and check how reliable your password is - https://password.kaspersky.com/.
- Manage your passwords. If it’s difficult to remember all of them, a possible solution is to use a reliable password manager, which will not only keep everything in one place, but also help you generating new, strong passwords.
- Putting in two-factor authentication. At first glance, it may seem a waste of time waiting for the code from the smartphone to enter the social network when you know the password. However, two-factor authentication is one of the most effective tools for preventing account hacking and identity theft.
- Reviewing permissions for mobile apps and browser extensions. It’s better to avoid installing browser extensions unless they are needed. Carefully check the permissions given to them — this can be done in most browser settings or through a security product.
- Backing up important files regularly. A
safe option is to create two copies: one to be stored in the cloud and the
other recorded to a physical means of storage (portable hard drive, thumb
drive, extra laptop, etc.). It’s better to regularly check that your backup
copy is ok. There are times when an accidental failure can inflict damage to the
files.
For more details and tips on how to protect your personal data online, visit Kaspersky blog.
