As we count down to the festive break, Evolve North is sharing the gift of cyber security with our 12 Days of Cyber Security! These practical tips are designed to help you stay safe online as you wrap up the year and prepare for 2025.
From strengthening your passwords to securing your devices and shopping online safely, each tip offers actionable steps to protect your digital life. Whether you take it one day at a time or dive into all 12 in one go, these steps will help bring peace of mind during the holidays.
The 12 Days of Cyber Security Tips
DAY 1: Strengthen Your Passwords
Use unique, complex passwords for every account. A password manager can help you manage them securely.
DAY 2: Embrace Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts for enhanced security and reduced risk of identity theft.
DAY 3: Verify Email Links Before Clicking
Always check the sender’s address, hover over links to see the URL, and look out for grammatical errors or suspicious language.
DAY 4: Secure Your Home and Office Networks
Securing your home and office networks is crucial to protect your data and privacy. Here are some key tips:
- Use Strong Passwords: Ensure your Wi-Fi network is protected with a strong, unique password. Avoid using default passwords provided by the manufacturer.
- Enable Network Encryption: Use WPA3 encryption for your Wi-Fi network to enhance security.
- Segment Your Network: Create separate networks for different devices, such as a guest network for visitors.
- Secure IoT Devices: Ensure all Internet of Things (IoT) devices are secured with strong passwords and updated firmware.
DAY 5: Follow the Five Golden Rules of Email Security
- Check the Sender’s Email Address: Scammers often use email addresses that look similar to legitimate ones. Look for slight misspellings or unusual domain names.
- Look for Generic Greetings: Scammers often use generic greetings like “Dear Customer” instead of your name. Legitimate companies usually address you by your name.
- Beware of Urgent Calls to Action or Ominous Language: Scammers try to create a sense of urgency or fear to prompt quick action. Be cautious of emails that pressure you to act immediately.
- Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Hover over links to see the actual URL before clicking. If it looks suspicious or doesn’t match the sender’s domain, don’t click it.
- Verify Through Other Means: If you receive an unexpected email from a company or person, contact them directly using a known phone number or website to verify the email’s authenticity.
DAY 6: Secure Your Devices
Regularly update software, enable encryption, and use reliable antivirus programs to keep your devices malware-free.
DAY 7: Recognise Signs of a Scam
Be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information, unexpected attachments or links, and offers that seem too good to be true.
DAY 8: Practice Safe Browsing Habits
Use secure web browsers, enable privacy settings, keep browsers updated, and avoid suspicious extensions.
DAY 9: Avoid Oversharing on Social Media
Protect your personal information to reduce risks of identity theft, scams, and privacy breaches.
DAY 10: Shop Smart Online
Use secure websites, strong passwords, and trusted payment methods. Verify sellers’ credibility and check reviews before purchasing.
DAY 11: Protect Your Data
Use encryption tools and secure backups to keep your sensitive information safe, even if devices are lost or compromised.
DAY 12: Review, Reflect, and Reset
The end of the year is a great time to assess your cyber security practices, reflect on lessons learned, and prepare for 2025 with stronger policies and improved awareness.
Stay Engaged, Stay Secure…
Share these tips with your colleagues and friends. Let’s finish 2024 strong and secure as we prepare for a safe and successful 2025.
If you’d like to discuss how we can support your cyber security requirements, get in touch with Evolve North today. Call us on 01748 905 002 or email us at info@evolvenorth.com