Twelve Commandments that will never fail to Keep You Cyber Safe Online

As the digital world explodes with a variety of new online services, cyber threats have become more ingenuous, dangerous, and spawned multiple variants and types. As each new threat makes the headline, the accompanying set of threat specific security recommendations confuses cybercitizens. Cybercitizens want a comprehensive list of recommendations that do not change frequently.

There are twelve foundational security practices that will help keep you and your family safe. Practicing them will harden your defenses against cybercrime and also reduce the negative effects of social media use.

1)    Thou shalt not use a device with pirated software

Pirated software is not patched as it is unlicensed. Unpatched software have security vulnerabilities which can be easily exploited to steal data and credentials

2)    Thou shalt not use a device which is not set for automatic updates of Operating System patches

Automatic patching for personal devices is the best way to ensure that the latest security patches are applied and security loopholes closed before cybercriminals can get to them

3)    Thou shalt not use a device without updated antimalware (antivirus) software installed

Antimalware software reduces the probability of a malware infection (e.g. ransomware) on your device. For it to be effective to catch the latest malware variants, it has to be automatically updated with the latest updates.

4)    Thou shall not download pirated movies, games and other such material

Something free may turn out to be expensive, both financially and to your reputation. Malware is usually bundled with pirated content or applications

5)    Thou shall not use a site without trying to verify its authenticity

Authenticity of a site can be verified by the Lock Icon and accompanying digital certificate. While not fool proof, it reduces the possibility of spoofed lookalike sites designed to steal your credentials

6)    Thou shall not ignore inappropriate content on social networks, always report or dislike it

Inappropriate content influences the minds of our children as they stumble upon it online. Hate content in particular may induce biases which take a long time to reverse.

7)    Thou shalt not indulge or encourage cyber bullying online

A parent or teacher has the additional responsibility of guiding children on the right online behavior. You do not want your children to bully or be bullied

8)    Thou shalt not use passwords that can be easily guessed and promise to  keep the password a secret

Try to choose complex passwords, do not reuse them on multiple sites and always store them securely. The easiest way to get into your online accounts is by stealing your passwords

9)    Thou shalt not fall be tempted by fraudulent emails promising financial windfalls or miracle cures or cheap medicines

Try to check the authenticity of the email. Electronic communication is easily manipulated, as it is difficult to verify the authenticity of the sender. Scams like these can cost you money and affect your health.

10) Thou shall not forsake your responsibility of helping your older parents or young kids to be safe as they use the internet

Be a guide and easily available as both old and young learn to use the internet and face cyber risks. Being available, requires that you can be reached for instant advice on problems they encounter

11) Thou shalt never trust a stranger blindly online

Always be suspicious when dealing with online strangers. At any point during the relationship never let down your guard. The identity of an online person cannot be easily verified. It can however be easily manipulated. Online friends sometimes have the vilest of intention which can lead to all forms of blackmail, particularly if they have incriminating pictures and videos. Besides adults, young children are potential victims

12) Thou shalt not set a weak password for your mobile phone or keep it unlocked

A stolen phone with an easy to guess password or if unlocked, is a sure invitation into all your signed in accounts and personal data. A large number of phones are left unattended or lost each year.