25.08.2022 - Cybersecurity concerns us all. Yet, many are put off by the idea of looking more deeply into hacking, phishing, spam and Trojans, etc., because they think that everything to do with cybersecurity is complicated and time-consuming. This is a long-standing myth: just a few simple security measures and rules of good conduct can prevent many cyber-risks.
It is no longer possible to imagine everyday life without technical tools. However, as soon as a device is connected to the internet, there is a risk that it could be attacked. Although cybersecurity seems very technical and complicated at first, it is possible to reduce cyber-risks considerably with just a few simple measures.
Most attacks are carried out either on poorly protected and outdated systems or via email and messenger services that instruct potential victims to perform an action, such as providing credit card details. Therefore, keep your systems up to date, be it your mobile phone, notebook or your network-attached storage (NAS). This includes both the operating system and the apps you use. If possible, activate the automatic update function.
Another important and effective security measure is your intuition; a sense of suspicion is important in cyberspace! If an email, link or pop-up window makes you feel uncomfortable, trust your instincts and stop. Always double-check requests to click on a link, open an attachment or transfer money!
If something does happen, it is important to have a backup of your data. Data can be lost not only in the event of an attack, but also in the case of a technical defect or the loss of a device.
The most important security measures at a glance:
- Keep your systems up to date. Make sure that all devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc.) automatically download available updates.
- Activate the operating system's integrated firewall before you connect your device to the internet or other network.
- Use a virus protection program and activate the automatic update function. Perform a regular full system check.
- Use multi-factor authentication whenever possible.
- Always use a separate password for each online service.
- Do not trust any unsolicited emails and text messages that you receive.
- Be extremely careful if an email asks you to click on a link or open a document. Never click on links or open documents if you do not know the sender. It is better to ask too often than not often enough when dealing with known senders.
- As a matter of principle, be careful when you are urged to click on a link. It is better not to click on a link once than to just click away every time.
- Avoid visiting webshops via advertising links (Google or Facebook ads).
- Report phishing links directly to reports@antiphishing.ch or at www.antiphishing.ch. If you are unsure whether an email is a case of phishing, you can always forward it for analysis via the NCSC reporting form.
Further information:
Last modification 25.08.2022
