Introduction

Cyber hygiene refers to the everyday practices and precautions that individuals and organizations take to maintain the health of their IT systems. While it may sound simple, proper cyber hygiene can prevent 85% of cyberattacks, according to CISA. Here are the fundamental steps that everyone should take to improve their cybersecurity posture.

Essential Cyber Hygiene Practices

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Using the same password across multiple sites increases the risk of a breach. Ensure that passwords are complex and unique for each account.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message or authentication app.
3. Update Software Regularly: Keeping your operating systems, software, and apps updated ensures that known vulnerabilities are patched.
4. Back Up Your Data: Regularly backing up important files ensures that you can recover data in the event of a ransomware attack or other cyber incident.

Why Cyber Hygiene is Important

• Prevents Common Attacks: Many cyberattacks exploit weak passwords, outdated software, or unpatched vulnerabilities. Proper cyber hygiene reduces these risks.
• Protects Personal Information: Following good cyber hygiene practices ensures that sensitive personal information, such as passwords and financial data, remains secure.
• Reduces Downtime: By preventing malware infections and breaches, proper cyber hygiene can minimize the time it takes to restore systems after an incident.

Practicing good cyber hygiene is the easiest and most effective way to protect yourself and your organization from cyber threats. By following these simple steps, you can create a safer, more secure digital environment.