Blog 9 Cyber Security Tips for 2023

To finish Cyber Security Awareness Month this October, we’ve put together 9 cyber security tips for 2023. These simple tips can go a long way in ensuring you don’t fall victim to hackers, so let’s start.

1. Beware of the Phish

Phishing is still the most common cyber attack according to a UK Government Report, and the scammers are becoming more difficult to catch. So always think before you click and stay cautious to protect your inbox.

The most common methods of Phishing are links that contain malware or are directed to a fake website that replicates a known provider such as a bank or postal service. A good rule is to always go directly onto the site from a trusted browser instead of clicking a link.

Our recent blog post on How to catch a phish shares the best way to spot a Phish, but remember it’s not always easy. So if you’re unsure, don’t click.

2. Get password savvy

Passwords should be different for all platforms, especially those that contain sensitive information, such as banking or sites that hold card information.

Keep passwords long, ensuring you use upper and lower case, and special characters.  Don’t use words that are related to you, such as your pet or family member’s name. Three random words is a good common practise.

It can be difficult to remember all your passwords and importantly, keep them safe, so it may be a good idea to use a password manager. There are many available to choose from and they are often a paid for service, so shop around to see what’s right for you. If it’s not in your budget, most smart phones come with password managers built in, so take advantage of this and keep your passwords different and complex.

Read our blog on Password Best Practises in 2023 for more guidance on this subject.

3. Multifactor authentication

Multifactor authentication allows you to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. It involves another method of identification such as a text or email code, or using an authenticator app. This is one of the most significant steps you can take to securing your data online and should be enabled on all platforms it’s available on.

4. Keep your systems updated

It’s important to keep all software, browsers and operating systems up to date, both at work and at home. These updates often have fixes to prevent hackers from exploiting them. Ensure automatic updates are on and if you get a notification to update, make time for it.

5. Use a VPN with Public WiFi

If you’re out and about working, it may be tempting to use free public networks, but this is a red flag in terms of cyber security.

Free WIFI networks are one of the easiest ways cyber criminals can target your device. If you must log in to a free public network, we’d advise not using it for accessing sensitive information and always use a VPN. A VPN improves security and enables users to access a public network as though it was connected directly to the private network.

6. Backup data regularly

Backups are very important and ensure that if something were to happen to your data you can easily retrieve it. Your data can be compromised in a variety of ways, for example, hardware failures, ransomware attacks and even physical theft.

It’s important to store backups in a secure location separate from the original files, such as on a cloud system or physical hard drive. Make sure you’re aware of any actions required by your organisation so you can play your part in keeping all files safe and secure.

7. Don’t store data or passwords in websites

Convenience is one of the downfalls of cyber security, whilst you may think it’s easier to store your details on regularly used sites to save time, it also increases your risk of a hacker accessing your data. Using a reputable password manager is more secure and can help prevent your data from getting into the wrong hands.

8. Use social media with caution

Regardless of which social media platform you’re using the advice remains the same. Ensure you don’t reveal any personally identifiable information, such as date of birth, location, email, or anything else hackers could use to steal your identity or target you.

This comes back to passwords too, if your passwords include something you share on social media such as a pet, it can make it easier for the cyber criminals to guess.

9. Look for the padlock

When on a website, the padlock icon and the URL containing “https” confirms the connection between your web browser and the website server is encrypted. This prevents others from eavesdropping or intercepting your information between your browser and the website’s server.

Avoid accessing sites that don’t have this security in place, and always double check they’re present before entering any personal information.

It’s important to note the presence of the padlock and “https” doesn’t confirm the website isn’t fraudulent or fake, so remain vigilant, especially if clicking a link from an email or text.

More Cyber Security Resources

If Cyber Security Awareness Month has inspired you to take action, we have some useful resources to help.

• Cyber Security Blogs – We have a host of useful content relating to all things Cyber Security.
• Cyber Essentials Toolkit – Align to the UK scheme with help from our document toolkit, including all the templates and guides required to comply.
• ISO27001 Toolkit – Align to the ISO27001 standard for an Information Security Management System with help from our toolkit. Including 180+ documents, guides and templates, and unlimited email support.