Biggest cybersecurity mistakes we make, and how can we fix them

Nowadays, we’re practically living online, whether it’s shooting off emails or endlessly scrolling through social media feeds. But every time we click, log in, or share something, we’re adding to our digital footprint. And let’s face it, with all the scams and malware out there, protecting ourselves can seem like a daunting task.

But don’t sweat it – we’ve got your back! We’ll show you the ropes on how to stay safe in the wild world of the internet.

Alright, let’s talk about the slip-ups folks often make when it comes to cybersecurity and what you should be doing instead. Keep reading to find out which habits you need to kick to the curb for good and how to kick off this year with a more secure online existence.

Also Read: Biggest cybersecurity threats the world could face in 2024

Using the same password for all accounts

Sriram Karra, a senior product manager of sign-in security, advises that one of the most widespread cybersecurity habits we need to ditch is reusing passwords. This might seem harmless, but it can lead to big trouble. For instance, if you use your Gmail password on another site and that site gets hacked, it puts your Google Account at risk too.

Don’t ever recycle passwords. Instead, try using Google Password Manager to simplify creating and managing unique logins. Also, make sure you pick a super strong and unique password for your Google account. If that gets hacked, you could lose access to a whole bunch of other accounts too.

You can also set up passkeys for your Google account, giving you a secure and easy way to log in using your device’s fingerprint or PIN. And as more services start offering passkey support, take advantage of them for a hassle-free, password-free sign-in experience.

Ignoring software updates

You might feel like brushing off those pesky software update notifications, but our experts strongly advise against it. These updates usually include crucial security fixes that patch up vulnerabilities that hackers love to exploit. Putting off updates just puts your devices, data, and privacy in harm’s way.

And if you keep putting off those updates, they have a sneaky way of forcing themselves on you eventually, usually at the worst possible times. It can totally mess up your flow or chill time, and sometimes even cause apps to crash or stop working for a bit.

Making sure you keep up with those software updates is key to keeping your digital life safe and sound. Keep your devices’ software updated regularly so you get all the latest security fixes and safeguards. With platforms like Android and ChromeOS, most of the system and security updates happen automatically, so you’re always protected against the newest threats without lifting a finger.

Not taking 2-step verification seriously

Another biggie in the world of online security slip-ups is forgetting to flip on 2-Step Verification. It’s a nifty security feature that adds an extra step during sign-in, making it harder for someone to sneak into your account without your say-so. But a lot of folks overlook setting up this easy yet super-effective feature.

To set up 2-Step Verification for your Google Account, just follow these steps. Once it’s activated, you’ll get prompts on your phone for any login attempts. It’s an extra layer of security that makes it a lot tougher for anyone unauthorized to get into your account. Think of it like adding a second lock to your digital door – a little hassle for a big bump in security.

Not setting a screen lock PIN on smartphones

Taking this easy step helps keep your info safe from prying eyes and accidental mishaps, giving you some peace of mind and reinforcing good security practices. But remember, not all screen lock PINs are made equal. It is advised to steer clear of weak PINs like 1234 that are easy to guess.

Go for a tough screen lock choice, like a tricky password or biometric recognition such as fingerprint or face ID—Google Pixel phones, for instance, have got handy and secure biometric features.

And if you happen to misplace your phone, Google’s Find My Device tool comes in handy for locating and securing it. Plus, in places you trust like home or work, you can decide when and for how long your phone stays unlocked.

Clicking on malicious or suspicious links

Cyber crooks are pretty sneaky—they often hide nasty links in what looks like totally legit ones, making it super tricky to tell what’s real and what’s a scam. That’s because nowadays, those shady links can show up in emails that look totally normal or in innocent-looking social media posts. But if you’re not careful, any of these could lead you straight to malware and data snatching.

Stay sharp and keep an eye out for any links you click, even if they seem totally legit. And for an added boost of security, switch on Google Enhanced Safe Browsing. It spots and warns you about dodgy sites known for phishing and malware in real-time. By using this tool, you’re actively protecting yourself from threats that could mess with your security. Think of it like having your own personal online security guard watching your back while you surf the web.

Also Read: Top five AI trends the banking world could see in 2024

Functioning without a password recovery plan

It’s totally normal to forget your password or lose your phone, especially when they’re key parts of a two-factor authentication setup. But if you haven’t got a recovery plan in place before it happens, you could end up stuck without access to your account for a while.

Make sure to set up a recovery plan before you end up needing it. That way, if you ever get locked out of your account, you won’t be left in the lurch. Add a recovery email address or phone number so Google can reach you if you get locked out.

And make sure all your verification info is up to date for a smoother recovery process. Think of it like having a spare key—Google’s account recovery options give you the tools to get back in, even if you lose your password or device.