What is phishing and how can I protect myself from it?

Phishing is a type of social engineering attack that involves tricking individuals into revealing sensitive information through fraudulent emails, messages, or websites.

To protect yourself from phishing:
     – Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or requests for personal information.
    – Verify the legitimacy of the sender by checking their email address or contact information before responding.
    – Do not click on links or download attachments from suspicious sources as they may contain malicious code.
    – Use anti-phishing software and keep it up to date.

What is two-factor authentication (2FA) and how can I enable it on my
accounts?

Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second factor, such as a code sent via text message or generated by an authenticator app (*Google Authenticator/2FAS/Microsoft Authenticator/etc), in addition to your password.

To enable 2FA:
    – Check if the service (*eMail/Banking/Amazon/etc) supports 2FA and how it is implemented.
    – Follow the prompts to enable 2FA and set up the secondary authentication method.
    – Store backup codes in a secure location as they may be required to access your account if you lose access to your primary device or number.

What is ransomware and how can I protect myself from it?

Ransomware is a type of malicious software that encrypts your data or locks you out of your system, demanding payment in exchange for decryption or unlocking.

To protect yourself from ransomware:
    – Backup your important files regularly to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
    – Keep your operating  system and software up to date with the latest security patches.
    – Use anti-malware and anti-ransomware software (*Acronis/Bitdefender/ZoneAlarm/etc) and keep it up to date.
    – Avoid opening emails, attachments, or links from unknown sources as they may contain ransomware.

What is a VPN (Virtual Private Network) and how can I use one for better security online?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure, encrypted connection over the internet to protect your online privacy and data.

To use a  VPN:
    – Research reputable VPN providers (*ProtonVPN/NordVPN/Surfshark/etc) and compare their features, pricing, and user reviews.
    – Choose a VPN provider that supports devices you use regularly.
    – Follow the prompts to install and configure the VPN software on your device(s).
    – Connect to the VPN server before accessing sensitive websites or networks.

What is endpoint security and how can I implement it in my
organization?

Endpoint security refers to protecting endpoints, such as desktop computers, laptops, and mobile devices, from cyber threats.

To implement endpoint security:
    – Conduct a risk assessment to identify the types of threats your organization faces and prioritize endpoint security accordingly.
    – Implement network segmentation to isolate sensitive systems or data from less secure systems or networks.
    – Use anti-malware software (*Malwarebytes/Avast/TrendMicro/etc) with real-time threat detection capabilities on all endpoints.
    – Require strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and regular password changes for all accounts.
    – Regularly monitor endpoint activity and investigate any suspicious behavior immediately.

What is the Internet of Things (IoT) and how can I secure it in my home
or office?

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to connecting devices to the internet, enabling them to communicate and share data. However, this also increases the risk of cyber threats.

To secure IoT devices:
    – Change default usernames, passwords, and network settings on all IoT devices.
    – Use a strong, unique password for each device and avoid using common phrases or easily guessable passwords.
    – Keep IoT software and firmware up to date with the latest security patches.
    – Segregate IoT devices from other networks and devices to prevent them from becoming entry points into your main network.
    – Disable unnecessary services, features, and functions on IoT devices to reduce their attack surface.

What is cloud security and how can I ensure my data is protected in the
cloud?

Cloud security refers to securing data stored in cloud computing environments. 

To secure cloud data:
    – Use reputable cloud service providers that implement strong security measures and have robust compliance programs.
    – Follow the cloud provider’s recommended security best practices, such as using encryption for data both in transit and at rest.
    – Regularly backup your data to an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
    – Limit access to sensitive data to only authorized personnel and use multi-factor authentication to further secure it.
    – Monitor cloud activity regularly and investigate any suspicious behaviour immediately.