Cyber hygiene is super important for all small businesses. It’s like brushing your teeth but for your online life and it’s one of the things that we take really seriously for our customers in and around Stone and Staffordshire.
Good cyber habits help keep you safe from hackers on the internet. Let’s check some easy ways to stay safe online in 2025.
What is Cyber Hygiene?
Cyber hygiene is all about the care you give to your online stuff. This includes keeping your devices and information clean and safe and just like washing your hands stops germs. Good cyber behavior stops digital germs like viruses and hackers.
Why is it Important?
Criminals online always try new tricks to get your info or mess up your gadgets. Good cyber hygiene stops them. It keeps your stuff private and your devices working well.
There are a few key things that we at Quietly Confident Technology suggest that our customers do to help with their cyber hygene.
Improve Your Passwords
Passwords are like keys to your online home. You want them to be strong. Here are some tips:
Use a Password Manager
The single best way to improve your passwords is to start using a password manager. We recommend using Bitwarden which has a free tier, you can sign up on their website or contact us if you want some assistance. Bitwarden is (as of this article) included in our cyber security pack.
Using a password manager covers all of the other password tips here.
Use Long Passwords
Longer passwords are harder to guess. If using a password manager isn’t an option then try using a sentence, a line from a boo or a song lyric, swap out the odd letter for a number and add some special characters just for good measure. For example, “I love eating pizza on Fridays!” is an better than your dogs maiden name (and so is eating pizza on a Friday).
Mix it Up
Use different types of characters. Mix in numbers, symbols, and both big and small letters. “I<3EatingPi22a0nFridays!” is even better even though it’s slightly shorter, the additional special characters and letters substituted for numbers makes it better.
Don’t Reuse Passwords
Use a unique password for each account or website. The biggest problem with passwords is when people use the same one for EVERY site. As soon as one website gets compromised the hacker then potentially has your password for every site you use. They regularly take the usernames and passwords found on one site and try them on other sites to see if they work.
Update Your Software
Updating your software is like getting a flu shot. It protects you from new threats. Here’s why it’s important:
Fix Security Holes
Updates usually fix problems in your software. These are holes that bad guys can use to get in. Updating closes these holes.
Get New Features
Updates can also give you new cool stuff. Your apps may work better or do more things.
Set Automatic Updates
Turn on automatic updates when you can. Then you don’t have to remember to do it. As part of our standard service we proactively monitor your kit to make sure that all your software is getting updated so you don’t get left behind.
Two-Factor or Multi Factor Authentication?
Two-factor authentication is like putting two locks on your door. It makes it harder for bad guys to break in. Here’s how it works:
What is 2FA?
2FA needs two things to prove it’s you. Usually, one thing is your password. The second thing is a code in an authenticator app on your phone, or (although we don’t like this as much) a numeric code sent via SMS.
Why Use 2FA?
If someone steals your password, they still can’t get in. They don’t have the second thing. It’s much safer.
Where to Use 2FA
Use 2FA on all your accounts that allow it. Particularly important are places like email, banking and social media.
Are You Being Careful on Public Wi-Fi?
Public Wi-Fi gets a really bad rep for being dangerous but it can be fine as long as you are aware of the risks
Consider using a phone hotspot
If you have mobile data available then consider tethering your laptop to your phone to use your mobile data. It’s significantly safe than using a public hotspot.
Make sure you are using a secure website
Most web browsers will tell you if you are NOT using a secure connection but if you want to check you can normally click on the website address to check. It should start with https:// (the S being the important bit) if the website isn’t secure then maybe leave it till later (and let them know!)
Turn Off Auto-Connect
Don’t let your device connect to any Wi-Fi network by itself. It might connect to a fake, bad network.
How To Identify Phishing Scams?
Phishing is when a bad guy tries to trick you into giving away your information. It’s like a fake fisherman trying to catch you. Here’s how to avoid the hook:
Check the Sender
Look closely at who sent the message. Scammers often use names that look real but aren’t. gareth@qct3ch.co.uk is not the same as gareth@qctech.co.uk
Don’t Click Suspicious Links
If a link looks weird, don’t click it. Move your mouse over it to see where it really goes. If in doubt call the sender, don’t use the phone number in the email that could be faked… Get it from your phone or from an older communication.
Be Wary of Urgent Messages
Scammers often say you need to act fast. Real companies rarely do this.
Are You Backing Up Your Data?
Backing up is like making copies of your important papers. If something bad happens, you don’t lose everything. If you are a QCT customer we will, if you have the correct package, have this covered for you. We treat backups VERY seriously.
Here’s why it’s important:
Against Ransomware
Ransomware can lock up your files. With backups, you can tell them to go away and restore your data.
Recover from Accidents
Sometimes we delete things by mistake. Backups let you get them back.
Use the 3-2-1 Rule
Keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different types of storage, with at least 1 copy off-site.
Are You Teaching Your Team About Cyber Safety?
Cyber safety is for everyone in your team. It’s like teaching kids to look both ways before crossing the street. Here’s how to spread the knowledge:
Make it Fun
Use games or tell stories to teach about cyber safety. It’s easier to remember that way.
Lead by Example
Show good cyber habits to your team. They learn by watching you.
Professional Training
Our cyber security package contains online user training and simulations to help keep everyone up to date and on their toes.
Want to Level Up Your Cyber Hygiene?
Good cyber hygiene protects you from online bad guys in 2025. Use strong passwords, update your software, and be careful on public Wi-Fi. Watch out for phishing scams. Always back up your data. Educate your team about online safety.
Want to know more about staying safe online? We can help! Contact us for more tips on cyber hygiene. Let’s make your online life easier and safer together!
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This Article has been Republished with Permission from The Technology Press.
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