London Met expert shares advice to stay safe and vigilant online

London Daily News features David Zilderberg’s top tips on staying vigilant to cyber attacks

Date: 04 November 2024

The latest statistics show that 50% of businesses in the UK have experienced some form of cyber security breach or attack in the last year.

Cybersecurity Month in October was a good moment for Head of Security at London Met, David Zilberberg, to share advice and tips to help organisations and individuals stay safe online and protect themselves from cyber threats and attacks.

Use strong, unique passwords and enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

One of the simplest ways to protect your accounts is by using complex passwords that combine letters, numbers, and special characters. You should also try to avoid using the same password for multiple accounts, many people do this for ease of remembering but it does leave you more exposed to potential hacking. Best practise today suggests that its best to use a combination of memorable words or phrases so that you can create a longer password, as longer passwords will offer better protection from hacking. It’s also recommended to enable MFA, Multi-Factor Authentication, wherever possible. This offers added assurance to users that only they can access their information and for businesses to have the confidence that only members of staff can access organisational data. Most applications will ask automatically if you’d like to enable this as it adds an extra layer of protection.

Be alert to phishing scams

Phishing scams have been identified as the most common type of cyber-attack, with 84% of businesses stating they have been targeted. A phishing attack involves tricking people into sharing sensitive or personal information, downloading malware, or exposing themselves to other cybercrime activity. Be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails, texts, or messages asking for personal information. You should always verify the source before clicking on links or downloading attachments. If you receive a message from your bank for example and are unsure whether it is genuine, notify your bank immediately, as they will be able to advise.

Keep your software and devices updated

You should keep devices including your phone, laptop and tablets updated regularly to add an extra layer of safety when using them for online activities. This is because regularly updating your operating system, software, and apps helps to protect against security vulnerabilities. Most devices will allow you to enable automatic updates, and this is advised where possible to ensure you have the latest protections against emerging cyber threats.

Secure your home Wi-Fi network

Ensure that your home Wi-Fi network is password-protected so that external users cannot easily access it. You can also change the default login credentials on your router so that you can be notified if someone joins the network and act accordingly. For added security, if you are accessing sensitive information on your device, such as online baking or personal emails, whilst using a public Wi-Fi network – it’s best to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). This will create a secure, encrypted connection between your device and the internet which masks your online activity from hackers, internet service providers, and other third parties.

Monitor your financial accounts regularly

Try to make a regular habit of checking your bank accounts, credit card statements, and credit reports so that you can keep a close eye and be alert for any unauthorised or suspicious activity that you don’t recognise. If you do spot anything, you should report the transaction immediately as this will limit the potential damage from cybercriminals by acting fast. To take things a step further, you can also set up alerts for large or unusual transactions across your accounts that can help to catch fraudulent activity early.

Back up your data

If you use your device for work purposes or have important files and documentation, it’s a good idea to regularly back them up to either a secure cloud service or an external drive. This will protect your data in case of a ransomware attack or if your device fails for whatever reason, meaning you won’t lose access to it. It’s also wise to have copies of important files, such as on another device of your own or on someone else’s device that you trust such as a partner, to ensure that you don’t lose valuable information.

Use comprehensive security tools

To guard your devices against malware, viruses, and other threats, you should install reputable antivirus software. Choose a provider that offers comprehensive protection with real-time scanning, firewall integration, and phishing detection. These tools actively monitor your device for suspicious activity, block harmful websites, and prevent unauthorised access to sensitive data. Many security tools also offer features like password managers, data encryption, and secure browsing modes for additional layer of safety.

Be cautious with social media sharing

In today’s world, we often share most of our lives online, but it’s important to be mindful about what you share on social media, as oversharing can expose you to identity theft. To protect yourself, you should limit the amount of personal information you post publicly, such as your location, birthdate, or job details. Most social media apps will also allow you to adjust your privacy settings to control who can see your posts.

October is Cybersecurity Month, which aims to highlight the importance of cyber security and encourage people to protect themselves from cyber threats

Head of Cyber Security at London Metropolitan University, David Zilberberg, has shared insight and advice to help keep online users safe

David Zilberberg, Head of Cyber Security at London Metropolitan University said: “As our personal and professional lives become increasingly intertwined with the digital world, it’s crucial to adopt best practices to protect sensitive information and prevent cyber threats. It’s important to remember that cybersecurity is everyone’s responsibility. From protecting personal data to securing work accounts, individuals play a critical role in defending against online threats.

“Cybercriminals target everyone, regardless of age, occupation, race or location. Being proactive about digital safety can help prevent identity theft, data breaches, and financial loss. Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a key opportunity to remind and educate people about the importance of staying vigilant online.”

In 2018, London Metropolitan University opened its Cyber Security Research Centre which aims to solve cyber security problems of significance for business and for society. To find out more about the centre, visit: https://www.londonmet.ac.uk/research/centres-groups-and-units/cyber-security-research-centre/

Source: London Daily News

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Stay vigilant online as cyber threats increase