The conclusion of the Financial Year (EOFY) is nearing. For many individuals, this entails organizing receipts, deciphering tax terminology, and the relief associated with a tax return. Yet while managing finances, have you taken a moment to reflect on your digital wellness?
Just as you keep track of your expenses and investments, now is the opportune moment to evaluate your online security. Whether you have a family or operate a small business, devices are essential for communication, commerce, and connectivity, necessitating robust protection. This EOFY presents an excellent opportunity to review your digital security.
Take a look at our suggestions and contemplate if you’re fulfilling your digital responsibilities!
Key digital security for families
Contemporary homes with various devices are prime targets for cyber threats. Activities such as social networking, education, gaming, entertainment, and financial transactions require a thorough approach to digital safety.
Protect Your Devices: Every device in your network can potentially serve as a gateway for cyberattacks. Ensure that laptops, tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles are equipped with updated systems and security software. Regularly assess security settings.
Parental Controls: While the internet has advantages for kids, it also comes with risks. Utilize parental control features available on systems, routers, or third-party software to filter content, regulate screen time, and oversee activity. Teach children about safe online behaviors.
Secure Important Data: Regularly back up invaluable digital assets like family photos and documents to a secure storage solution. Employ a mix of local external drives and cloud services to guard against data loss from hardware malfunctions or cyberattacks.
Key digital security for small businesses
A secure digital environment is essential for maintaining business operations and safeguarding data. Proactive security measures are crucial.
Robust Authentication: Safeguard business systems and data with strong, unique passwords for all accounts. Activate multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced security.
Fortify Your Network Infrastructure: Secure your business Wi-Fi with a complex password and the latest encryption standards (e.g., WPA3). Consider network segmentation to separate sensitive information and reduce the impact of breaches. Regularly refresh router firmware.
Train Employees on Cybersecurity: Human mistakes contribute to many security breaches. Provide regular training on identifying phishing emails, crafting strong passwords, managing sensitive data, and spotting social engineering attempts.
Formulate an Incident Response Plan: Get ready for security breaches with a plan that outlines the steps for responding to breaches, including identifying, containing, eliminating, and recovering from attacks.
General tips for digital due diligence this EOFY
<pRegardless of whether you're a family or a small business, consider these suggestions for your EOFY digital assessment:
Assess Software and App Permissions: Scrutinize the permissions granted to software and apps. Revoke any unnecessary or suspicious access.
Update Everything: Confirm that all operating systems, software, and firmware are current. Updates often provide necessary security fixes.
Be Wary of Phishing: Stay alert with emails, links, and attachments from unknown sources. Phishing is a prevalent tactic for data theft.
Consider a Security Solution: Review comprehensive internet security options that include features like antivirus, firewall, anti-phishing, and possibly a VPN. Bitdefender Total Security is suggested for daily use.
Our recommendation: Bitdefender
Bitdefender provides security solutions for various budgets and requirements:
Bitdefender Total Security: All-encompassing protection for multiple devices, offering limited VPN traffic (200 MB/day/device) for fundamental privacy.
Bitdefender Premium Security: Provides unlimited VPN traffic along with Scamio Copilot for scam prevention.
Ultimate Security for enhanced protection.