CYBER SECURITY TIPS YOU NEED TO KNOW.

In the wake of recent hacking attempts we have witnessed around here, I have done some digging and found discovered some important security tips we need to be equipped with to stay safe around here.
THIS IS GOING TO BE LONG, BUT IT'S FOR OUR BENEFIT.
Just like we have robbers in reality, they exist online too in form of hackers, and here are ways to fortify yourself against them.

1. You need to first accept that you are an attractive target to hackers. Don’t ever say “It won’t happen to me.” Anyone can be hacked, it's not just for the rich or famous. There is targeted and random hacking, and e fit be you.
2. Get a strong password.
   If your idea of a strong password is something like this: "Shogologobangoshe1" you are a joker.
   This is what a good password looks like c.*%7(:wQ,28{T^7. You may develop a mix you can easily remember, using a mixture of capital and small letters, with special symbols and numbers.
   In the same vein, you need to practice good password management. Don’t use the same password for multiple sites. Don’t write your passwords in a book (it could get stolen), and definitely don’t share with someone. If you ever have cause to do that, change it within the next 6 hours!
   Also, except your PC is extremely personal, don't automatically save your password on sites that require login
3. Just like you are advised never to leave your beer at a party when going to the rest room, you should also never leave your devices unattended. If you need to leave your computer, phone, or tablet for any length of time—no matter how short—lock it up so no one can use it while you’re gone. If you keep sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure to lock it up as well.
4. Always be careful when clicking on attachments or links in email. If it’s unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don’t click on it. Always check the senders’ email address and double check the URL of the website the link takes you to.
5. Sensitive browsing, such as banking or shopping, should only be done on a device that belongs to YOU and on a network that you trust. Whether it’s a friend’s phone, a public computer, or a cafe’s free WiFi—your data could be copied or stolen.
   If you want to know if a website is safe to browse and input sensitive data, check if the URL starts with https.
   Not all websites have it, but it doesn't mean it's not safe to visit such websites. But if you are browsing a site that would require you to pay for a service or input your login details to anything, the added “https” is important.
   A website starting with https encrypts the data you put in the website and the data you get from it, so that no one can eavesdrop or tamper with the data flow.
   If a website doesn’t start with https, don’t give them confidential info (card details, login details, address, etc.).
   In the same vein, Never save your card details in an online account! It's for your own good!
6. Use 2-factor authentication everywhere you can.
   It is one of the safest ways to ensure security of your social accounts. Set it up to receive authentication codes via sms or on an authenticator app.
7. Back up your data regularly, and make sure your anti-virus software is always up to date. And by anti-virus, I'm not talking of the free versions. Paid is often better and more secure.
8. Be conscious of what you plug in to your computer. Malware can be spread through infected flash drives, external hard drives, and even smartphones.
9. Be wary of social engineering, where someone attempts to gain information from you through manipulation. If someone calls or emails you asking for sensitive information, it’s okay to say no. You can always call the company directly to verify credentials before giving out any information. Be sure to monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. If you see something unfamiliar, it could be a sign that you’ve been compromised.
10. Look out for PUA or PUPS
    PUA / PUP (potentially unwanted application / potentially unwanted program) is a software that you may not have installed willingly, as sometimes it comes with free apps. A lot of us love to download free apps, but we forget that in this internet world, nothing is ever free!
    Although it doesn’t cost anything to use PUAs, but this type of software can become malicious over time, if cyber criminals get a hold of it. So the safest thing to do when you download it with a free app is to uninstall it.
    Next time you install an app, go to advanced settings and make sure nothing else is installed without your consent.
11. These tips are not only for your PC, take care of your mobile phones too. Install an antivirus for smartphones, especially Androids. That's where you store some of your most sensitive information, keep it safe.
    On mobile, always check permissions before installing an app, so you don’t install rogue apps. And back up your phone data always.
12. Be careful with ads you click on websites, some of them have malicious codes that will search for vulnerabilities in your system. If it finds one (which is not difficult to do), it’ll infect your computer or phone with malware or virus.
    To be safe, I recommend using an adblocker and a reliable antivirus.
13. Download apps ONLY from trusted sources like Google Playstore and Apple Store, and highly trusted and secure websites. Most preferably, official websites of the app you need to download.
14. Finally, Install 'HTTPS Everywhere' extension for your PC or Android phone.
    This extension will encrypt your communication with many major websites, thus increasing your browsing secutity, so cyber criminals won’t be able to snoop on the information transfer and steal your data (credit card information, email address, passwords, etc.).
    I hope with these few tips, I have been able to help someone against another cyber attack.
    Be safe.