On November 30th, World Cybersecurity Day is celebrated, a date that since 1988 aims to raise awareness about the security issues hidden on the web, which SPC promotes with a series of tips aimed at all family members to avoid becoming victims of cyberattacks.
Raising public awareness about the importance of cybersecurity is especially relevant due to the gradual increase in cyberattacks received in Spain. According to the Security Incident Response Center INCIBE, our country recorded more than 100,000 cybersecurity incidents in 2021.
Aware of the importance of adopting good cybersecurity practices, SPC, the Spanish technology company specialized in the development of consumer electronics products, proposes a ten-point guide of cybersecurity tips to follow for all ages.
- Browse secure websites (HTTPS protocol)
The HTTP and HTTPS protocols govern how information is transmitted over the Internet. If a user shares sensitive data online (email or mobile phone) using the HTTP protocol, this data is unencrypted and unprotected, allowing hackers to intercept it.
To know if a website uses the HTTPS protocol, just check if there is an “S” in the domain and look for the closed padlock icon that appears in the browser’s address bar.
- Install advanced cybersecurity solutions and update applications
Threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated; proof of this is that according to INCIBE, 3 out of 10 cyberattacks detected in Spain were caused by malware, malicious software that accesses the device’s entry points or endpoints without the user realizing it, leaving them vulnerable to cybercriminals.
SPC recommends installing antivirus and firewalls, as well as monitoring these device endpoints to stop and respond to any cyberattack, ensuring they are updated against the most advanced threats. Using ad blockers or pop-ups blockers that hinder web browsing is another tool that, besides facilitating navigation, benefits device security.
- Ensure that older adults are “cybersecure”
The use of essential technologies in daily life poses a challenge for some elderly people. Adding to this problem are cybercriminals who, through SMS messages, deceive older adults and access their private data by installing malware on their devices, known as smishing. There are smartphones and mobile phones that, besides being easy to use for senior users through features like large icons that facilitate pressing, offer remote configuration options so a family member can assign a trusted contact list. This way, they will know which text messages they can read and be wary of those received from unknown senders.
- Care for and educate children when they start using technology
Children, being digital natives, try to interact with technologies like tablets from an early age, which also makes them a primary target for cybercriminals. The Spanish company recommends using devices that are compatible with Google Family Link, a parental control system capable of filtering websites or apps that the youngest members of the household can use, as well as educating them on good practices when browsing the Internet.
- Protect your personal data privacy
It is advisable to avoid accessing public Wi-Fi networks, which are less secure than private networks and an easy target for hackers. The Spanish company recommends not sharing private data publicly on websites or social networks. Regarding the use of devices, both personal and third-party, SPC advises periodically deleting cookies, cache, and browsing history, as well as browsing in incognito mode on devices that are not your own.
- Beware of phishing in emails
Hackers can carry out very convincing phishing cyberattacks by mimicking the design of a company’s or institution’s corporate email and impersonating them to trick victims into providing sensitive data, such as ID numbers, bank details, or passwords. Keep in mind that this information is confidential and your bank will never ask you for it. At most, they may request part of the numbers through Customer Service.
To prevent this, check the origin of emails, verify who sent them, and look for any anomalies in the email’s design; do not click on links or reply to the email, and send it directly to SPAM.
- Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Using the same password for different platforms is the first gateway for cybercriminals to access and steal credentials or any type of information.
To avoid this, it is recommended to set a strong password, at least 8 characters long, that is difficult for a person or program to guess. This password can be a word or short sentence easy to remember for older adults or children, starting with a capital letter and ending with digits. Adding multi-factor authentication (MFA) through a push notification received on the smartphone via a trusted app will provide greater security.
- Shop online safely
To avoid surprises when shopping online, some e-commerce sites offer different secure payment methods, such as PayPal, which allows easier refunds, in addition to the traditional bank card.
- Download apps from the official site or Play Store
Sometimes we see ads online for a “miraculous and free” mobile app that is downloaded from an external website. These unknown .apk files are a gateway for dangerous malware. When in doubt about their origin, it is advisable to download the mobile app from the official website that redirects to the operating system’s store for the smartphone or tablet.
- Turn off the router if you will be away from home for a few days
If you will be away for a long time, whether on vacation or a business trip, it is recommended to turn off the router to prevent hackers from accessing your home network in your absence.
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