Top 10 Cyber Security Tips for Preventing Cyber Crimes

In the current scenario, we are living in the Digital Era and trends of using digital devices and the internet are increasing day by day. As the number of internet users are increasing, the number of cyber security threats or cyber crimes are also increasing, so such types of threats can be prevented using various cyber security tips, which are as follows.

1. Use Secure Authentication with Strong Passwords
   Users should enhance the security of the authentication process through strong login passwords. Every user should keep a strong password as complexity of password is directly proportional to the security of password. Users should change and update the password from time to time. This is the reason that for the security of financial transactions, users are advised to use strong passwords by using letters, numbers, and special characters combination. 
2. Use of Advance Version of Operating System and Update it Time to Time Users should use the latest operating system to avail the facility of latest additional features of operating system as well as it should be updated time to time to avail its advance functions.
3. Securing the Devices and Network through Security Applications
   • Use of Firewall

Firewalls is a very effective security application, which filters and scans each incoming and outgoing data packet. Any malicious data packet cannot enter into the network and in such a manner it protects the network against the malware as virus and worm.

• Use of IDPS Software

This software is very useful to detect and prevent the intruders in the network. This is a hybrid security application which is capable of detecting and preventing the intrusion.

• Use of Anti-virus Software

Anti-virus software is very effective to prevent viruses and secure the device against malware attacks. Users should use the effective and licenced anti-virus software to avail all advanced security features otherwise free antivirus software is not capable of providing adequate and effective security.

• Use of Anti-spyware Software

Anti-spyware software can be used to prevent spyware attacks and user’s information can be protected against any leak in available information.

4. Securing the Privacy of Your Information on Social-Media
   As many users are having various social media accounts or profiles like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube etc. so they must ensure the secrecy of their information by locking their profile or making it private from unknown persons.
5. Securing the Devices from Malicious Contents of Untrusted Sources
   Users should download the contents from reliable sources or websites otherwise the malicious contents downloaded from untrusted sources may be very harmful for electronic devices such as computer, laptop or mobile.
6. Avoid the Financial Transactions on Public Wi-Fi Network
   Users should use a secured private wi-fi network for financial transactions and secure it with a strong password. They should avoid any financial transaction on a public wi-fi network, which is not considered a secure wireless network.
7. Use Strong Cryptographic Algorithm to Encrypt Your Data
   Users should use a strong encryption algorithm for encrypting the data and in such a manner transmitted encrypted data will ensure the secrecy of data or information because if an attacker is able to access the data still, he/she cannot access original information. All personal and sensitive information should be kept safely in encrypted mode and backup of your data should be taken time to time to avoid any data loss problem.  
8. Avoid Spam or Suspicious Mail on Internet
   Users should avoid opening any spam mail or suspicious mail received from any unknown source because it may be harmful for the device and stored data. Sometimes an attacker may perform the attack through injected virus as an attachment with such types of mail and as the user will click on a provided hyperlink in the mail or open the attachment, device may get hacked or virus can perform the attack. On your device. Also, users are advised to not send any reply for such mails as well as no need to share any personal or sensitive information through your reply, otherwise your information may be misused by an attacker or unauthorized user.
9. Secure Your Identity on the Internet
   Users should be very careful about sharing their confidential information on the internet and also should ensure the security of websites where they are sharing their personal information such as Name, Date of Birth, Mobile Number, E-mail Address, Contact Address, PAN Card, Social Security Number etc.
10. Inform the Concern Authority in case of Cyber Attack
    In case of any cyber-attack or cybercrime, there is no need to panic and immediately should inform the concerned authority as Police. In this case, users may take help of cyber security professionals for immediate prevention against the cyber-attacks or cybercrimes. In case of online financial fraud, immediately inform all concerned banks to block your account, debit card or credit card.

Dr. Himanshu Gupta

Visiting Professor, Pro Education Group, USA