Understanding cyberattacks and why prevention matters
A cyberattack is an unauthorized or illegal attempt to access and compromise an individual or organization's data, operating systems, IT networks, or critical infrastructure. While the scope and severity of these attacks may differ, all cyberattacks can significantly damage operating systems or networks.
Some of the most common types of cyberattacks include:
- Phishing
- Ransomware
- Malware
- Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks
Cybercriminals may prioritize certain targets over others, but that shouldn’t make you complacent with your cybersecurity. While you, as an individual, may not be an appealing target compared to a large company or bank, a successful cyberattack can still inflict serious damage to your data and online security.
Ways to prevent cyberattacks
Today's cyberattacks are primarily successful thanks to user error or the exploitation of security vulnerabilities. Following the steps below minimizes the risk of becoming a target while preventing cyberattacks on your operating system or mobile device.
Educate yourself and others
The first step in ensuring you remain safe from cyberattacks is being aware of the risks. This knowledge helps you integrate effective security practices into your daily routine, making it easier (or even second nature) to reduce the chances of becoming a target.
By staying informed, you can also educate others about the risks of cyberattacks. Promoting personal cybersecurity safety practices within your network helps minimize the risk of attacks on your organization. It also lets you provide guidance to friends and family on how to stay safe and respond effectively. Agencies like the Department of Homeland Security emphasize the importance of cybersecurity awareness in building a resilient defense against cyberattacks.
Enable multi-factor authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) gives you some degree of protection when your username and password are compromised. It prevents an attacker from gaining a secure connection or access to your accounts or data. MFA is particularly effective in preventing certain types of cyberattacks, like brute-forcing passwords.
While you can also consider two-factor authentication (2FA), it's often better to opt for MFA instead. MFA allows you to use multiple ways to authenticate your logins, making it significantly more challenging for attackers to access your information.
Use strong, unique passwords
Many cyberattacks succeed because users aren't diligent enough in securing their account details, such as their passwords. A common mistake is to use the same password for everything, which makes attacks like social engineering more effective. Once an attacker obtains one password, they can often compromise multiple accounts.
Fortunately, most websites and applications regularly remind users to create strong passwords. In addition to using upper- and lowercase letters, special characters, and other ways to make your password more difficult to guess, you should also consider using a password manager like NordPass to manage your passwords better.
Be wary of suspicious links and emails
Email remains one of the most widely used communication methods, making it a prime target of cybercriminals. One common tactic is phishing, where attackers pretend to be a trusted individual or entity to trick you into giving up sensitive information and/or login credentials.
Phishing emails often direct you to a legitimate-looking website but with a domain different from the official one. Always pay close attention to any emails, files, or links that your emails contain. If it's not from a legitimate or trusted sender, it's better to ignore, report, and then delete these emails.
Keep your software updated
Hackers and other cybercriminals frequently exploit vulnerabilities in operating systems or devices to carry out attacks. These vulnerabilities are often addressed through security patches, but not all users may have configured their devices or applications to automatically update to the latest version.
Always ensure your software is up-to-date and enable automatic security updates to minimize the risk of exploitation. It's also a good idea to conduct regular security scans of your software to ensure it hasn't been compromised by malware or computer viruses.
Back up your data regularly
Another way to protect your data is to keep regular backups of it. If a cyberattack is successful or you experience a system failure, a backup can help prevent the permanent loss of important information. In some cases, backups also enable you to restore your system after a cyberattack.
Most cybersecurity experts recommend using automatic backup features within your software or keeping data in a secure cloud for safekeeping and easier retrieval. Manual backups may also work, but you must maintain a consistent backup schedule.
Use a VPN
Security solutions like NordVPN can help protect you against cyberattacks while improving your online security. While you still need to follow other cybersecurity practices to ensure you lower your risk of cyberattacks, tools like a VPN are crucial in strengthening your cybersecurity strategy.
VPNs have the added benefit of encrypting your online traffic, helping improve your online experience. They also integrate seamlessly with your other cyber defense solutions.
Safety measures to take if you've been a victim of a cyberattack
If you end up experiencing a cyberattack, you should immediately take the following steps:
- 1.Report the incident to the most relevant authority as soon as possible.
- 2.Change all your passwords to ensure that the rest of your accounts remain secure.
- 3.Stop any behavior that can compromise you further, like replying to unknown emails.
- 4.Document everything that happened before, during, and after the cyberattack.
- 5.Monitor your accounts and online presence for unusual activity.
- 6.Inform people around you or your network that you've experienced a cyberattack. Alerting them helps reduce the likelihood of them falling victim to attacks aimed at your contacts.
Cyberattacks are preventable
By following the practices we've listed above, you can keep yourself safe from cyberattacks or secure yourself and your data if you experience one. Always remember that cybersecurity starts with self-awareness and is reinforced by using the right tools and having a proactive mindset.
Even if you experience a cyberattack, a security solution or software can mitigate the consequences. Staying proactive in your approach to cybersecurity is crucial in protecting yourself and your data from cybercriminals.
Online security starts with a click.
Stay safe with the world’s leading VPN
