23 personal cybersecurity tips
Personal cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. Simple steps like creating stronger passwords and being careful with emails from strangers can go a long way. By following personal cybersecurity best practices, you can lower the risk of identity theft, online scams, malware, and other cybersecurity threats.
1. Use strong passwords
A strong and unique password contains a mix of lowercase and uppercase letters, numbers, and special characters and is at least 12 characters long. This combination is important because your password is often the first line of defense against hackers. A strong password makes it much harder for cybercriminals to access your accounts and steal your personal information.
However, complex passwords are hard to remember, so a reputable password manager is a must. With NordPass, you can securely store and manage your passwords. It makes it easy to create and access strong, unique passwords without the hassle of remembering each one.
2. Use a multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security to your accounts. With two-factor authentication (2FA), a type of MFA, you verify your identity with a code sent via SMS, a token, or an app after entering your password. This double authentication process makes it much harder for hackers to access your account even if they have your password.
3. Run a reputable antivirus software
Reputable antivirus software detects and removes viruses, malware, and other cyber threats that can enter your devices through downloads, emails, or web browsing. It strengthens your personal cybersecurity by protecting information and keeping your devices running smoothly. Additionally, many reputed antivirus programs include extra features like firewalls and safe browsing tools to further enhance your protection. Run regular scans and keep the software updated to stay secure.
4. Keep your operating systems and browsers updated
To protect against cyber threats, keep your operating system (OS) and browsers up to date. Updates often include security patches that fix newly discovered cybersecurity vulnerabilities and threats. While it’s tempting to click “remind me later,” it’s best to install security updates as soon as they’re available.
5. Be wary of phishing emails
Odd email addresses, lack of personalization, grammar and spelling mistakes, suspicious links and attachments, and urgent language are good indicators of a phishing email. Spotting these signs will help protect you from phishing attacks and keep your information safe in the long run.
6. Use a VPN
Keep your browsing secure with a virtual private network (VPN). NordVPN encrypts your traffic and includes a Threat Protection Pro™ feature, which helps identify malware, block harmful websites, and stop websites from using trackers to follow you around the web.
7. Secure your Wi-Fi network
Protect your home Wi-Fi network to improve your personal cybersecurity. If your Wi-Fi is unprotected, hackers can easily access your internet connection and steal your sensitive information. To secure your Wi-Fi network, consider following the tips below:
- Change the default router login credentials.
- Create a strong Wi-Fi password.
- Change the network name (SSID).
- Enable network encryption.
- Disable remote management.
- Enable network firewalls.
- Create a guest network.
8. Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks
When you connect to public Wi-Fi without a VPN, your connection isn’t encrypted. This means that someone with the right tools could potentially intercept your activities, like checking your bank account or entering passwords. Therefore, it’s best to avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks. But if it’s your only option, use a VPN to encrypt your connection and keep your data secure.
9. Lock your smartphones and tablets
Cybersecurity for personal devices is crucial, and the simplest way to improve it is by setting up a lock on all your devices. Mobile devices like smartphones and tablets store a wealth of sensitive data, from emails and photos to banking apps and social media accounts. Someone could easily access this information if your phone or tablet falls into the wrong hands and isn’t locked. Using a PIN, password, or biometric lock like fingerprint or facial recognition ensures that only you can access your device.
10. Opt for messaging apps with end-to-end encryption
End-to-end encryption means that your messages are encrypted on your device and only decrypted on the recipient’s device, making it impossible for anyone else — even the app provider — to intercept or access your conversations. This added layer of privacy protects your sensitive information from being exposed to hackers, surveillance, or unauthorized parties.
11. Use secure browsers and extensions
Using secure browsers and extensions is important for personal cybersecurity because they help protect you from online threats like malware, phishing, and tracking. Secure browsers are designed to block malicious websites and prevent unauthorized access to your data. When you add trusted extensions, they can improve this protection by blocking ads, stopping trackers, and alerting you to suspicious sites.
12. Review social media privacy settings
Social media platforms often share more than you realize, like your location, contacts, and personal details. If you don’t manage these settings, scammers could use your information to target you for phishing, identity theft, or other cybercrimes. Regularly review and tighten your privacy settings to protect your personal life from exposure to the wrong people.
13. Download apps only from reputable stores
Apps from trusted stores are vetted for security, which means they’re far less likely to contain viruses, spyware, ransomware, or other harmful code. By sticking to reputable stores, like Google Play or the App Store, you protect your device from malicious software and hackers who could lock your data for ransom or steal your personal information.
14. Backup data both online and offline
Regularly backing up your data online and offline ensures that your important files are safe in case of a cyberattack or device failure. If ransomware or other threats compromise your data, having backups means you won’t lose access to important information.
15. Watch out for internet scams
Online scams trick you into giving away personal information or money. Stay vigilant by questioning offers that seem too good to be true and avoid clicking on suspicious links. An email, text message, or phone call is probably a scam if it does any of the following:
- Asks for personal information.
- Comes from a suspicious sender’s address.
- Preys on your emotions.
- Arrives unexpectedly.
- Seems too good to be true.
16. Be cautious about sharing PII
Personally identifiable information (PII), like your full name, home address, Social Security number, or bank details, is valuable to cybercriminals and often traded on the dark web. Buyers can then use your data for nefarious purposes, like opening fraudulent accounts or racking up debt. Only share PII when absolutely necessary, and ensure you’re doing so with trusted sources.
17. Only give apps the permissions they really need
When installing apps, limit the permissions you grant them to only what’s necessary for their function. Excessive permissions can expose your information, making it easier for cybercriminals to use social engineering or credential-stuffing attacks. Regularly review and update app permissions to ensure you’re not granting unnecessary access.
18. Opt out of using debit cards online
Using credit cards instead of debit cards for online purchases adds an extra layer of protection. Credit cards and other secure payment options like PayPal, Apple Pay, and Google Pay typically offer better fraud protection. In contrast, debit cards directly access your bank account, which puts your money at greater risk if your information is compromised.
19. Create and save bookmarks
Creating and saving bookmarks for frequently visited websites helps you avoid mistyped URLs, which can lead you to phishing sites. For example, if you regularly visit your bank’s homepage, bookmarking the correct URL ensures you won’t accidentally type "bankofamericca.com" instead of "bankofamerica.com," which could lead to a fraudulent site.
20. Learn the signs of malware
Recognizing the signs of malware allows you to act quickly and remove threats before they cause serious harm. Here are some signs of malware to look out for:
- Your device is running slower than usual.
- Your device keeps crashing.
- You’re getting a lot of pop-ups.
- You notice messages you didn’t send.
- You notice apps and files you didn’t download.
21. Consider identity monitoring services
Identity monitoring services continuously monitor your personal information, such as Social Security numbers, bank account details, and credit reports, for signs of suspicious activity. They alert you if your information is found on the dark web, used for a new account, or if there are sudden changes to your credit report.
22. Report suspicious activity right away
If you notice unusual behavior on your accounts or devices, report it immediately. Quick action can prevent further damage, such as identity theft, especially if your credentials have been leaked on the dark web.
23. Educate yourself on common cyber risks
Staying informed about cyber risks like phishing, ransomware, and social engineering empowers you to recognize and avoid potential threats. Knowledge is key in defending yourself from online dangers, especially as new risks emerge.
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