How to defend against cyber attacks (individual) (v1.0)

 CISA (Cybersecurity Infrastructure and Security Agency) offers tips to individuals to protect against cyber-attacks. CISA urges everyone to protect themselves online and adopt a heightened posture when it comes to cybersecurity. CISA offers the following guidance for individuals. I have added a few more to its list. 

  1. Protect all devices with antivirus (like McAfee Live Safe). Run scans regularly. 
  2. Enable multi factor authentication. Use a security key method (for example google authenticator or Symantec VIP access) if available. 
  3. Choose strong long passwords. Don't reuse passwords across sites. Consider using a password manager (like True Key from McAfee). 
  4. Avoid Phishing scams. 
  5. Don's click on links or open attachments or download programs you are not sure of. 
  6. Shop at safe websites only. 
  7. Check website URL. 
  8. Check your privacy setting. 
  9. Remember to log off. 
  10. Use VPN for sensitive sites you visit especially on an unsecured network (like McAfee VPN). 
  11. Apply all security updates promptly. 
  12. Configure a network firewall. 
  13. Use a web browser plugin that protects you from visiting harmful sites (like McAfee web advisor)
  14. Your OS sometimes has device security (example TPM in windows) which you might consider enabling.
  15. Consider using encryption for your cloud drive (example apple's ADP for iCloud). 

However, a lot of your data is in government or corporate databases and if they get hacked your personal data may be compromised. Subscribing to an identity monitoring and protection service might help. 

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