Cyber hygiene definition
Cyber hygiene refers to practices users should take to maintain system health and safeguard against cyberattacks, data breaches, identity theft, and other security risks.
Examples of cyber hygiene
- Regular software updates. Keep all software, operating systems, and applications updated — as these updates often patch newly found vulnerabilities.
- Antivirus. Install and keep your antivirus software updated.
- Secure passwords. Use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. When you use the same passwords across multiple websites or apps, you risk losing them all due to a single incident.
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA). Enable multi-factor authentication whenever possible to add a layer of security to your accounts.
- Backups. Regularly backup important data, preferably in a secure cloud or an external storage device.
- Secure Wi-Fi. When using a public Wi-Fi network, connect to a VPN to encrypt your connection and protect your traffic from possible snoopers.
- Limited privileges. Limit user privileges to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.
- Email security. Be cautious with email attachments and links, especially from unknown senders — these are often signs of a phishing scam.
- Physical access. Secure physical access to devices to prevent unauthorized access.