5 Essential Cyber Hygiene Practices to Thwart Digital Criminals

Stop digital criminals with basic cyber hygiene practices, says expert

October 5, 2023

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Amid an escalating global cybercrime bill—now estimated at $8 trillion a year—cybersecurity experts are calling for a new, more transparent, and collective approach to address cyberattacks. While 99% of attempted cyberattacks are thwarted, the 1% that manage to slip through the net are wreaking not only economic damage, but significant reputational, legal, and personal harms.

A collective responsibility

Optus Chair of Cybersecurity and Data Science at the University of South Australia, Associate Professor Mamello Thinyane, emphasizes the need for individuals, companies, and governments to share the responsibility of cybersecurity. In the past, organizations have been unwilling to disclose their cyberattack experiences due to fear of reputational damage and legal implications. However, Thinyane argues that strengthening collective intelligence is crucial in addressing cyberattacks.

By sharing experiences and lessons learned from cyberattacks, companies can build trusted networks and become smarter together. Transparency and collaboration are key in combating cybercrime.

The importance of basic cyber hygiene

At an individual level, Thinyane emphasizes the importance of instilling basic “cyber hygiene” practices to lower the risks of cybercrime. This includes protecting accounts with multi-factor authentication, using strong passwords and password managers, and being vigilant against potential phishing attacks and scams.

As cyber threats become more sophisticated and lucrative, and artificial intelligence (AI) exposes the world to more security risks, the challenges are mounting. Although AI can both disrupt systems and strengthen digital security, it also makes individuals more vulnerable to hacking.

Ensuring the purchase of safe and secure Internet of Things (IoT) devices, protecting them with strong passwords and multi-factor authentication, and regularly updating them are all part of basic cyber hygiene. However, consumers often neglect digital security, leaving themselves susceptible to cyberattacks.

Thinyane warns individuals to think twice before clicking on suspicious links or forwarding fake social media posts. Cyber criminals are skilled at exploiting human vulnerabilities, and a staggering 82% of data breaches are linked to human factors. Being cautious and aware of potential threats is essential in maintaining online safety.

Building cyber resilience for a thriving society

While digital technologies are here to stay, Thinyane stresses the need to make systems and data more secure in order for societies to thrive. Collectively, individuals, companies, and governments must become more cyber resilient.

As October 2023 is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, the theme “Be cyber wise—don’t compromise” serves as a reminder of the crucial role that basic cyber hygiene practices play in safeguarding individuals, businesses, and governments against digital criminals.

Sources:

https://techxplore.com/news/2023-10-digital-criminals-basic-cyber-hygiene.html