By Gokulavan Jayaraman
In the new age world, where everything is at your fingertips and sometimes at your “beck and call” [Alexa/Hey Google], isn’t this a convenience? Yes, as you enjoy convenience, save time and complete your requirements from the place you are at, it also draws you closer to perils that you are unaware of.
We all know about the endless possibilities of how the cyberworld can help us. At the same time we should be aware of what harm it can do to us and our family. Some of the maladies are Cyberbullying; Fake News; Addiction; Privacy Violations; Identity Theft; Online Scams; Cybercrime etc.,
Following is the mantra that you must remember ‘INSPECT’:
- Install original software; keep them updated;
- Never click on suspicious links which comes through mail, SMS, WhatsApp, social media etc, (especially short links);
- Secure your accounts and network with unique passwords. Do not use the same passwords for all accounts.
- Passwords should not be written or shared with anyone. Remember that if you share a password, then the one with whom it’s available becomes you and their acts are answerable by you.
- Enable two-factor authentication like OTP, Call verification etc. Never share your OTP with anyone over phone or through any other channel / field which is not relevant / official.
- Copy or backup your data in a separate external drive which is encrypted or to a cloud data storage with encryption.
- Train yourself and your family on cybersecurity good and bad habits. Also, watch / read the latest threats or scams, which will help you to stay away from those threat actors.
Remember to run the INSPECT theory always during your cyber journey. This will safeguard you and your family from most of the hazards. It’s very important to know that cybersecurity risk-based thinking is something like your involuntary muscles, it should be always ON and should stop you getting into any trap that online has got for you.
Have a safe and secure cyber experience.
Gokulavan Jayaraman is a resident of Thiruvanmiyur and a specialist in cyber security. He can be contacted at [email protected], [email protected]; Blog: www.gokulavan.blogspot.com.
