By Jonathan Stock, Cyber Security Recruitment Consultant, IntaPeople.
It seems every time I write an article I could mention Trumps’ approach to cybersecurity; watching him is like an old Animaniacs show with Yakko, Wakko and Dot causing mayhem throughout the White House.
Instead let’s focus on the positives of the past week; Tom Brady became the most loved quarterback in the world, Beyoncé announced (in an odd, yet typical celebrity fashion) she’s got a new brood en route, and the Queen is the first monarch to reach a Sapphire Jubilee – hats off to you ma’am!
Last week we had Data Privacy Day, a day to raise awareness and to promote data protection best practices.
Much like Cyber Security Awareness Month (October if you are wondering) it’s a chance to educate the masses, to make sure that people outside of the security industry are aware of the pitfalls of data privacy and how important it is to keep data hidden, tucked up and warm like a Mogwai on a rainy day!
Now there are various quick fixes which can allow you to keep your data safe from the hackers of the world. They are not tricky, they are not technical, just nice and easy tips to help you keep everything as hidden as possible.
Let’s take for example public Wi-Fi; it’s brilliant, isn’t it? You can stream content whilst your partner shops for the 100th pair of shoes on a Saturday afternoon, but it’s not the most secure network and if you start downloading third-party applications you may accidentally receive malware that can then harm your device and steal your data.
Another tip is focussed on ransomware. It’s been in the news daily and there’s a nice simple solution to make sure you don’t fall victim to it; backing up your data.
There’s evidence of some security researchers decrypting ransomware strains but more often than not you have to empty out your piggy bank and pay the hackers.
A complete back up can get you out of a tricky situation, as long as it’s stored on a secure device.
Phishing scams, much like ransomware, are an ever heightened trend that’s emerging throughout the world.
Now I’m not talking about Robson Green claiming he’s caught the biggest Marlin on his newest TV series, but the social engineering attack that targets people on a daily basis.
They often appear legitimate as they are from friends, family or a company that you already have a connection with but it’s easy to verify the source before you click on a link or attachment.
There was an article in January about the most common passwords of 2016 and the main tip for Data Protection Day is to never reuse passwords.
Many people would use the same password across all of their accounts and devices.
This is a big no-no in terms of keeping your data safe. One hack into a Facebook account and then the rest of your accounts would be vulnerable.
All of these seem pretty simple and common knowledge, especially to people who work within a security focussed role.
Much like the whole product vs process debate that reigns on in the cybersecurity industry, it’s all about educating people as much as possible.
That good old anti-virus protection you have on your laptop will do as much as it can to keep hackers at bay, but if you leave yourself open to attack, or don’t follow the best practices when it comes to keeping yourself safe, your defense will deplete. Don’t be a fool, secure your tool!
About The Author
My Name is the Jonathan Stock and I am a cybersecurity recruitment consultant working for IntaPeople. In addition to sourcing candidates for various cybersecurity companies.
I am also a contributor to several cybersecurity online magazines, a member of the UK Cyber Security Cluster and an event coordinator.
Jonathan can be reached online at [email protected], @JonathanStock86 and at our company website http://www.intapeople.com
