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Maintaining good cyber hygiene is critical for protecting your personal data and ensuring online security. Simple practices like strong password management, safe browsing, and regular software updates can help prevent identity theft and phishing scams.

Below are some ways to protect yourself from phishing scams.

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Cybersecurity Threats & How to Protect Yourself

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1. Phishing

What It Is:
Scam emails, texts, or calls tricking you into revealing personal info or clicking harmful links.

How to Avoid It:

• Don’t click links or download attachments from unknown sources.
• Double-check sender addresses.
• Use two-factor authentication (2FA).

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2. Malware

What It Is:
Software designed to damage or gain unauthorized access to your device (includes viruses, trojans, spyware, etc.).

How to Avoid It:

• Install reputable antivirus software.
• Avoid downloading unknown files or apps.
• Keep your software and OS updated.

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3. Ransomware

What It Is:
A type of malware that locks your files and demands payment to restore access.

How to Avoid It:

• Regularly back up important data.
• Avoid clicking unknown links or opening suspicious emails.
• Keep systems and software updated.

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4. Social Engineering

What It Is:
Manipulating people into giving up confidential info (e.g., pretending to be tech support).

How to Avoid It:

• Always verify who you're talking to.
• Don’t give out passwords or private info over the phone/email.
• Educate yourself and others on common tactics.

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5. Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) Attacks

What It Is:
An attacker secretly intercepts and possibly alters communication between two parties.

How to Avoid It:

• Use encrypted websites (HTTPS).
• Avoid public Wi-Fi or use a VPN when necessary.
• Enable strong passwords and secure your devices.

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Brief overview of a personal cyber hygiene audit, focusing on best practices to maintain online security:

1. Strong Password Management

   • Use unique, complex passwords for each account (include uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols).
   • Avoid using personal information (like birthdays or names).
   • Use a reputable password manager to generate and store passwords securely.
   • Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.

2. Safe Browsing Habits

   • Avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-ups.
   • Always check the website URL for legitimacy before entering personal information.
   • Use secure (HTTPS) websites, especially for financial or sensitive transactions.
   • Install and regularly update a reliable ad blocker and anti-tracking browser extension.

3. Regular Software Updates

   • Keep your operating system, antivirus, browser, and apps updated to patch known vulnerabilities.
   • Enable automatic updates when available to ensure you don’t miss critical security patches.

4. Phishing Awareness

   • Be cautious with unsolicited emails or messages requesting personal information or urgent actions.
   • Verify the sender’s email address and avoid downloading attachments from unknown sources.
   • When in doubt, contact the organization directly using a verified method.