It’s cyber security month and our aim is to make sure everyone understands to the best of their ability the steps they can take to ensure you’re cyber secure! Imagine your computer is a castle, and the internet is a wild, untamed land filled with clever cyber criminals looking for a way in. Luckily, Cyber Essentials has five key controls to help you defend your digital kingdom! Let’s explore these five easy and essential steps to becoming a cyber knight—no boring jargon allowed!
User Access Control: Who Gets to Enter the Castle?
Think of user accounts like keys to your castle. Not everyone should have the master key! Create different “keys” (accounts) with limited access, so even if a sneaky hacker gets their hands on one, they can’t unlock the whole place. Keep admin accounts for special occasions only, and make sure to use multi-factor authentication (that’s just a fancy way of saying an extra security lock) to double-check who’s at the door.
Top Tip: Use strong passwords! Think of them like secret codes: 8 characters at a minimum with numbers, symbols, and uppercase letters for extra mystery. Did you know your account is 99.9% less likely to be hacked with multi-factor authentication?
Security Updates: Your Castle’s Shields
Updating your software is like reinforcing the walls of your castle. You wouldn’t leave a giant hole in the wall, right? Make sure to install those security updates ASAP! Many devices will even let you turn on automatic updates—it’s like having a magical shield that repairs itself.
Pro Tip: Critical updates should be installed within 14 days. Don’t procrastinate—get it done and protect your kingdom (devices)!
Secure Configuration: Customising Your Castle
Not every room in your castle needs to be accessible, the same goes for your computer. Only keep the software and apps you really need and lock up anything that could let attackers in through the back door. Setting passwords on your devices is another great way to keep unwanted visitors out!
Bonus Tip: Turn off auto play so nothing sneaky happens when you plug in a mysterious USB or DVD.
Malware Protection: Guard Dogs for Your Castle
Malware is like a sneaky spy that can slither into your castle and cause chaos. That’s where malware protection comes in! It’s like having a guard dog that barks at anything suspicious—viruses, spyware, worms, you name it.
Pro Tip: Always keep your malware protection up to date. You don’t want your guard dog taking a nap!
Firewalls and Routers: The Castle’s Moat
Your firewall is like a moat around your castle, making sure the bad guys can’t just stroll in. It checks all the traffic trying to get in or out and blocks anything that looks dangerous. Whether you’re using a laptop, PC, or smartphone, a firewall is essential to keep your digital kingdom secure.
Fun Fact: Your router also plays a role in keeping your devices safe—think of it as the drawbridge!