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These days, everyone’s got their personal devices glued to their hands and heads, using them to access and stash all sorts of important and sensitive info—like those pesky login details for their accounts.

That’s why it’s absolutely crucial to practise solid cyber security measures to keep that info safe from the dodgy characters out there.

Staying clued up on the various types of cyber-attacks and knowing how to shield yourself from them is essential in today’s fast-paced world.

What is cyber security?

Cyber security is all about keeping your digital devices, networks, and systems safe from potential cyber-attacks. These attacks usually target your personal information, whether it’s to steal, tamper with, or leak it out into the wild. In some serious cases, they can even involve extorting the victim to take specific actions just to get their info back or demanding a pretty penny. It’s a wild world out there, and staying protected is more important than ever.

Common cyber-attacks

To practice good cyber security measures, you need to understand the different types of attacks used by hackers. RSAWeb, one of South Africa’s top internet service providers, gives us the lowdown.

 

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Phishing: Phishing is one of the most common cyber-attacks used by hackers to infiltrate digital devices. They send deceptive, professional-looking emails or SMS messages, hoping to trick you into clicking a malicious link. Clicking the link downloads malware, a type of malicious software that can disrupt your device, cause damage, or allow unauthorised access to your personal information.

Ransomware: Ransomware attacks occur when hackers infiltrate a victim’s device, lock them out, and demand payment for the return of access to their devices and accounts. In 2023, ransomware was identified as the top cyber threat by the Interpol Africa Cyberthreat Assessment report.

Identity Theft: Identity theft involves hackers obtaining a victim’s personal information, such as ID numbers, credit card details, and login credentials. They then impersonate the victim to obtain money from banks or commit fraudulent activities.

Password Attacks: Hackers frequently use brute-force methods, which involve systematically testing various password combinations, and credential stuffing, a technique that reuses stolen passwords from other breaches.

Use strong and unique passwords

When creating a password, make sure to incorporate a mix of characters, such as numbers, lowercase and uppercase letters, and special symbols to make it more difficult for hackers to access your devices. Also, avoid using the same password for all your devices or accounts—don’t hesitate to use different passwords for each account. A password manager can securely store your passwords and even generate complex ones if needed.

 

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Keep software updated

Always keep your software up to date, as updates often fix security vulnerabilities. Enabling automatic updates ensures you stay current with the latest security patches, boosting your cyber security.

 

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Secure your network

A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is essential for securing your network, especially when using public WiFi, which is often a weak spot hackers exploit to access people’s information. A VPN can help protect your data when using insecure networks.

 

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Back up your data to the cloud

Regularly backing up your data reduces the risk of losing important information in the event of a ransomware attack or hardware failure.

Be cautious of phishing

Never click on links or open attachments from suspicious emails or SMS messages. Always verify the identity of anyone requesting personal information before sharing anything.

Cyber security is essential in today’s world, and with all the information available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and struggle to follow best practices. That’s why, at RSAWEB—the highest-rated ISP in South Africa—they want you to feel prepared and ready to navigate the digital world securely.

RSAWEB believes in empowering you with the tools and knowledge to stay secure in this digital age, ensuring that your online experience is not only seamless but also safe. With the right precautions, you can confidently navigate today’s connected world.