What is Cyber Security Awareness?

Cyber security awareness is being mindful of the potential threats of cyber crimes that can occur through the internet.

Emails, websites, malicious applications, and many other programs can pose potential cyber threats which can be used against any individual or institution to exploit personal information for personal gains.

Cyber security awareness enables end users to be aware of the threats their system and workplace might face if they don’t follow best practices about network security and it equips employees with the skills and knowledge needed to understand what cyber risks are, their impact on the business, how to detect cyberattacks and the best ways to avoid such risks.

Why is Cyber Security Awareness important?

Every citizen who interacts with the internet and uses it to connect, consume content, gain knowledge, or work in an environment where sensitive data is 

handled, should be aware of cyber security issues.

Cybersecurity awareness educates users about the dangers that online criminals may pose as a result of end users’ carelessness for cybersecurity best practices.

If the End user is aware of the cyber threats and uses cyber security best practices while being online and browsing through the internet the threat of cyber crimes reduces to a greater extent.

When people are aware of the threat cyberspace poses and are well versed with the Cyber Security Awareness best practices, it can be beneficial for their own personal safety and workplace.

What are Cyber Security Awareness Best Practices?

Each user who is connected to the internet should be aware.

• Keep all the devices up-to-date which you use to connect to the internet. Keep the firewall updated and install well-known anti-virus programs on your computer or mobile devices to stay safe.
• Do not visit websites that are unsafe and do not use a secure connection, websites without SSL should be avoided.
• Be careful when you are away from home and connect to public Wi-Fi, Do not input financial card details on any websites while purchasing something on public Wi-Fi.
• When checking Emails, check your email twice before clicking any link or attachment in it. Is it linking to a safe website or is it a spoof to fraud you?
• Check whether the email is from the same person you are expecting it to be or if it is someone impersonating them to make you click phishing email links.
• Use a robust set of passwords for all your important accounts and change them regularly.
• Set up 2-factor authentication for all your accounts if possible.
• Do not make purchases from unknown websites or pages, you can become a victim of financial fraud.
• Do not keep the same passwords for all your accounts and do not use Date of birth and pet names as your password for better security.
• Use VPN while browsing unsafe websites.
• Be mindful of what you share on social media. Once you post something online it cannot be deleted from the internet.