10 Cybersecurity Practices to Prevent and Respond to Cyberattacks

The internet has enabled businesses to reach new heights. However, cybercriminals too use the internet for illicit gains. Internet–based crimes like phishing, spoofing, identity theft, data breach, ransomware, etc., are on the rise. Therefore, businesses must have a robust cybersecurity system in place. Here are ten best cybersecurity practices to minimize the risks associated with cyberattacks. What is a Cyberattack? A cyberattack is when cyber criminals attempt to breach computer systems to steal sensitive information or extort money. These criminals use malicious software and phishing techniques to penetrate a business’s internal systems. Without a sound cybersecurity system, criminals can access customers’ databases and threaten to leak confidential data or hold companies to ransom. Ten Cybersecurity Practices to Prevent Cyberattacks Listed below are the best practices for internet security. Train your employees Cybercriminals often share spam or phishing emails to your employees’ email addresses. These emails usually contain malware that enables attackers to access user information, including login credentials. Hence, employers must educate employees about possible online threats through training. Update your systems Software and system updates involve fixing bugs or patching security flaws of the existing systems. To prevent attackers from taking advantage of cyber vulnerabilities, companies must keep their systems up to date. They must also replace outdated hardware and install newer models as old computers are typically susceptible to cyberattacks. Install secure firewalls A firewall is a security device that prevents unauthorized access to computer networks. Imagine a firewall as a security guard at an establishment. The guard allows authorized personnel with proper IDs to enter the premises. The guard also scans all visitors thoroughly before granting them entry. A firewall works in the same way and protects your systems from intruders. Managing passwords A critical cyber hygiene practice to follow includes not setting one password for all systems. If attackers get access to the password, they could jeopardize all company systems. Set strong, different passwords comprising upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters and renew the passwords frequently. Choose multi–factor authentication Multi–factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra level of security, making it one of the best practices in information security. MFA includes mobile numbers, biometrics like fingerprint, iris scan, voice commands, security tokens, etc., besides the basic login credentials. Thus, even if cyber criminals get hold of user credentials, they cannot access the system. Constantly backup sensitive information Backing up your data can protect you in the event of cyberextortion. It prevents attackers from leaking sensitive information to the public or business rivals in exchange for money. Also, data backup can protect you from data loss due to hardware malfunctioning. Backing up your data in a separate, secure location proves fruitful. Use a VPN A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows devices to send and receive information securely even if the device is connected to a public network. VPN can be beneficial for remote workers. If your device is connected to public Wi–Fi systems, attackers can potentially intercept your personal information. Monitor third–party accesses Third parties like vendors or partners who have access to limited company resources can fall victim to a supply–chain attack. This paves the way for attackers to breach the systems. Cyber security practices like monitoring third–party access via one–time passwords or manual approvals helps tighten the security. Consider kill switch mechanisms A kill switch is usually the last resort, wherein all systems get shut down during a large–scale cyberattack. Until the issues are resolved, all systems stay shut to restrict possible attacks. Get cyber insurance While you may deploy the best cyber hygiene practices, cyberattacks like data breaches and extortion may still occur. They can cause extreme financial losses. To protect your business from financial ruin, cyber insurance is crucial. Such an insurance plan covers you against monetary losses and expenses occurring due to various cybercrimes. Invest in a cyber insurance policy Protecting your business is more vital than ever thanks to rising cybercrimes. A cyber insurance policy can help you cover the costs arising from various cybercrimes. You must invest in a good cyber insurance policy to safeguard your intellectual and financial assets. Click here to get started. Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

With the development of technology, banking services are now accessible online. You can conveniently manage your finances and conduct transactions digitally. However, doing so also involves sharing your sensitive data through digital channels. A cybersecurity insurance policy is apt to protect your bank credentials from varied online security threats. But in some cases, even the protection measures prove futile if you are not careful. That is precisely the case with OTP frauds. Here are some tips to protect yourself against OTP scams.

With the growing influence of digital media, children spend more time in front of screens. While TV and YouTube can be valuable resources for learning and fun, they also come with challenges. Ensuring your child’s online safety requires understanding these challenges and implementing strategies to protect them. This guide will provide practical advice for kids on managing screen time and securing their digital environment. Common Online Dangers for Kids and How to Protect Them The internet is a vast space with countless opportunities for learning and entertainment. However, it also leads to several risks to children. Here’s a look at common online dangers and tips on how to protect your child: Exposure to Inappropriate Content Kids can accidentally stumble upon inappropriate content unsuitable for their age. This could include explicit videos, harmful websites, or adult themes. Parental Tips: Use parental controls and content filters on both TVs and devices. Regularly review and adjust the settings to align with your family’s values. Discuss with your child what content is appropriate and why. Online Predators Online predators often use social media, gaming platforms, and other online forums to connect with children and exploit them. Parental Tips: Keep communication open with your child about their online interactions. Encourage them to report any suspicious messages or contact to you immediately. Teach them not to share personal information online, such as their address or school name. Cyberbullying Cyberbullying can occur through social media, messaging apps, or online games. It can significantly impact a child’s mental health and well-being. Parental Tips: Monitor your child’s online interactions and be aware of any signs of distress. Create an open environment where your child feels comfortable discussing negative online experiences. Teach them how to block or report bullies on diverse platforms. Excessive Screen Time Extended screen time can lead to health issues like eye strain, poor posture, and disrupted sleep patterns. It can also impact academic performance and physical activity levels. Parental Tips: Establish clear rules for screen time usage and stick to them. Encourage physical activities and offline hobbies to balance screen time. Use apps or built-in device attributes to monitor and limit screen time. Recommended Screen Time Limits for Children Determining appropriate screen time for kids is crucial for their overall health and development. Here are some guidelines to consider: For Toddlers (Ages 2-5) Limit screen time to one hour per day. Focus on high-quality educational content and co-viewing to enhance learning. For Children (Ages 6-12) Point for no more than two hours of recreational screen time each day. Ensure that this time does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, and other healthy behaviours. For Teenagers (Ages 13-18) Encourage a balanced approach. While screen time may increase due to social media and schoolwork, ensure it doesn’t exceed two hours of recreational use daily. Promote healthy screen habits and set boundaries for online activities. Safety Settings and Features on YouTube YouTube is a popular platform for kids but requires careful management to ensure a safe viewing experience. Here’s how to make YouTube safer for your child: Use YouTube Kids YouTube Kids is designed for children and offers a more controlled environment with appropriate content for various age groups. It includes features such as: Content Filters: Allows parents to select the type of content their child can watch. Parental Controls: You can set limits on screen time and block specific channels or videos. Enable Restricted Mode On the regular YouTube app, enable Restricted Mode to filter out content that may not be suitable for children. This setting helps hide videos that have been flagged for inappropriate content. Monitor Viewing History Frequently check your child’s viewing history to see what they have been watching. This helps ensure they engage with appropriate content and allows you to address any concerns. Set Up Account Restrictions Older children with YouTube accounts use account restrictions to control their interaction with content and other users. This includes setting up privacy and controlling who can comment on their videos. Conclusion Ensuring your child's cyber safety involves being proactive and informed about the potential risks associated with TV and online platforms like YouTube. By understanding common online dangers, setting appropriate screen time limits, and using safety features effectively, you can help create a secure digital environment for your child. Remember, open communication and involvement in their online activities are vital to keeping them safe and healthy in the digital age. Stay vigilant, stay engaged, and support your child in navigating the online world safely. Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.

Thanks to digitization, our dependency on the internet is higher than ever. While it’s true that the internet plays a significant role in making human life easier, its negative impact due to increasing cyber threats can’t be overlooked. The more you use the internet for daily activities, the higher are the chances of cybercrimes. Cybercrimes happen when criminals exploit you or your business activities via the internet. Cybercriminals use computer systems and software to hack into another system illegally. Here, we look at some of the most common cybercrimes in India. Types of Cybercrimes Identity Theft Identity theft is when cybercriminals use personal data like your name, credit card or debit card number, bank account number, PAN or Aadhaar, etc., to commit fraud. Identity thieves hack into a corporation’s database to steal customers’ information. Criminals may use your credit information to buy illicit goods and services for themselves, but you may end up having to take responsibility. Phishing Phishing is when criminals send fake emails and text messages to bait customers. Criminals make these fake messages seem like they have been sent from authorized institutions. These messages may contain links that, when you click, can allow criminals to collect sensitive information. Phishing emails usually do not display the sender’s name or contact. If you receive suspicious–looking emails, simply delete them. Avoid clicking any links in the email or SMS. Cyberbullying Cybercriminals can also use social media or other online platforms to harass their users. Cyberbullying has become increasingly common among teenagers. Online bullying may include sending abusive and threatening texts, spreading rumors, making sexual remarks and much more. Social media influencers, too, are under the constant threat of cyberbullying. Victims can become suicidal, scared or depressed and may have to receive psychological treatments. Ransomware Ransomware is extortion via the internet. Criminals steal company data and demand payment in exchange for returning the data. Data usually consists of customer information, which can cause irreversible damage to the company’s reputation when released. Online shopping scams Scammers pretend to be online sellers with fake websites. These websites offer luxury brands at discounted prices. Unsuspecting shoppers may find the offer too attractive to let go of. Customers usually don’t get the product they paid for or get a fake product. AI Hacking Artificial Intelligence or AI enables machines to imitate humans. The virtual assistant in your new–age smartphone or your smart home is AI–enabled. Hackers can leverage AI to create spyware programs that can expose the user’s sensitive information for financial gains. How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrimes? Since you cannot eliminate your online presence completely, you can ensure that you keep your data safe by not saving your bank login credentials, updating your software, avoiding suspicious–looking emails or SMS, etc. If your data has been compromised or you are a victim of online harassment, you can report the crime to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. To protect yourself from financial losses occurring due to such cybercrimes, you can opt for cyber insurance. Cyber insurance helps you pay for legal expenses, psychological treatments, and losses that you typically incur while dealing with the aftermath of cyber–attacks. Disclaimer: The above information is indicative in nature. For more details on the risk factor, terms and conditions, please refer to the Sales Brochure and Policy Wordings carefully before concluding a sale.