In today’s ever-more-connected world, cybersecurity is no longer just a concern for IT professionals, it's essential for everyone. From smartphones to laptops, the average person faces a wide range of online security threats that can compromise personal data, privacy, and finances. Understanding these everyday risks, and knowing how to prevent them is key to staying safe online and we built this guide to remind all our Uplinkers to stay safe in a virtually connected world.

Most Common Cybersecurity Threats

Below are some of the most common cybersecurity threats the average person faces, as well as easy, practical ways to minimize risk.

Unsecured Public Wi-Fi networks

Free Wi-Fi networks, such as those found in cafés, hotels, and airports, sometimes lack proper security, making your traffic potentially visible to others on the network. This could lead to sensitive data, such as login credentials, personal communications, or financial information, being stolen.

How to protect yourself: If a situation requires you to make use of a potentially unsecure network, first connect to a virtual private network (VPN). VPNs encrypt your data, thereby protecting it from others on the network. Common VPNs include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. These can be especially valuable while traveling. Being connected to the Uplink network will alleviate this cybersecurity risk from all those connected to the network, but until then - stay safe and vigilant on other networks! 

Outdated Software

‍
Cyberattackers frequently target known security flaws in older versions of apps, browsers, and operating systems. Running outdated software is like having your keys stolen but not changing your locks. Devices that no longer receive security updates, like older phones or computers, are especially vulnerable.

How to protect yourself: Make sure that you are routinely checking for operating system, browser, and app updates. Where possible, set them to automatically update. Upgrade old devices when they’re no longer kept safe with routine security patches. 

Re-Used or Weak Passwords

One of the most common vulnerabilities, shockingly, this persists also in large corporations, is the use of weak and/or repeated passwords across multiple accounts. Weak passwords are often easily guessed (this happens much more often than one might think). The use of repeated passwords means that if one of your accounts is breached, that password could be used to enter other accounts as well.

How to protect yourself: Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Better yet, make use of a password manager, use their “generate password” option, and save it into their secure database. Some decent options are the Google passwords manager, 1Password, Bitwarden, Nordpass, and Dashlane amongst others. Update your passwords regularly.

Unsecured Accounts

Even the strongest of passwords can be compromised. Without a further layer of security, anybody who steals one of your passwords can immediately enter that account. 

How to protect yourself: Add two-factor authentication anywhere it's possible, and prioritize app-based authentication (Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, Authy, etc.) over SMS-based authentication; the latter could be compromised by anybody who has access to your phone, whereas the former generally requires a personal passkey to unlock. 

Device Theft

‍
Theft of a computer, phone, or tablet could potentially expose personal information – including access to your accounts – unless the proper security steps are taken. 

How to protect yourself: Make use of strong passcodes and, where possible, biometrics (fingerprint or face ID). On your phone or tablet, require additional biometric authentication in order to access sensitive apps (particularly your email). Enable hard disk encryption on your computer(s) in order to make the data inaccessible to those without the proper login credentials; this feature is generally active by default on Macs, but must be activated manually on PCs. 

Malicious Apps and Browser Extensions

Not all programs, apps and browser extensions are safe! Hackers might use them as a route to inject malware onto your device, thereby potentially compromising your system and stealing your personal information.

How to protect yourself: Restrict your app and browser extension downloads to trusted sources: for the former, the Apple and Google app stores; for the latter, curated sites such as the Chrome Web Store or Mac App Store. Never install anything of unknown origin.  

Data Breaches

Even if you do everything right on your end, the entities with whom your accounts exist may suffer breaches of their own. These can expose your login information to hackers. 

How to protect yourself: Sign up for a service that provides breach notifications. Should you receive such a notification, change the login information on those accounts immediately. 

Protect Yourself from Cybersecurity Threats

Maintaining cybersecurity is a persistent concern in today’s world. For the individual, it doesn’t require technical expertise, it simply requires awareness and consistent habits. By keeping your devices updated, using strong passwords and authentication, being cautious with what you install, and preparing for worst-case scenarios like device theft, you can significantly reduce your exposure to digital threats. Stay safe out there! 

‍