From email to social media surfing, our existence is deeply intertwined with the digital realm. Every click, login and shared detail shapes our digital footprint, so be wary of cyber threats such as scams and malware. Google has revealed the top six security mistakes users can make online without knowing it.
Use the same password everywhere
Sriram Karra, senior product manager for login security, stresses the need to think outside the box cyber security practice Password reuseConsider this scenario: If your Gmail password is shared with another platform, and that platform is compromised, your Google account is also at risk. Avoid password reuse; use Google Password Manager to easily create and manage different login credentials.
ignore Software update
It may seem tempting to ignore the constant software update reminders, but our experts strongly advise against it. Christiaan Brand, group identity product manager, claims that allowing regular software updates is the second most important security measure after using a password manager. These updates often include important security patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by attackers.
overlooking two-step verification
Another key online security oversight involves failing to activate two-step verification, a security measure that introduces an extra step during the login process to prevent unauthorized access to your account. “Implementing a second verification step can significantly reduce various types of attacks, including all automated bot attacks,” Sriram explains.
Not set Screen lock PIN on your mobile device
This simple action protects your information from unauthorized access and inadvertent destruction, instilling a sense of security and promoting sound security practices. However, not all screen lock PINs provide the same level of security. Sriram advises against using a weak PIN with an easily identifiable pattern, such as “1234.”
Click on suspicious links
Cybercriminals often disguise malicious links as genuine, blurring the line between truth and deception. Christian acknowledges the challenge: “It’s hard to advise against clicking on anything or relying solely on links from trusted sources.” In today’s online environment, malicious links often disguise themselves as genuine emails and harmless social media posts. However, if you’re not careful, all of these can become portals for malware and data breaches.
No password recovery plan
It’s common to forget your password or lose your phone, both important parts of a two-factor authentication system. However, failure to have a recovery plan in place could leave you without access to your account for an extended period of time. To reduce this risk, consider adding a secondary email address or phone number. This allows Google to contact you if your account is locked.
Use the same password everywhere
Sriram Karra, senior product manager for login security, stresses the need to think outside the box cyber security practice Password reuseConsider this scenario: If your Gmail password is shared with another platform, and that platform is compromised, your Google account is also at risk. Avoid password reuse; use Google Password Manager to easily create and manage different login credentials.
ignore Software update
It may seem tempting to ignore the constant software update reminders, but our experts strongly advise against it. Christiaan Brand, group identity product manager, claims that allowing regular software updates is the second most important security measure after using a password manager. These updates often include important security patches that address vulnerabilities exploited by attackers.
overlooking two-step verification
Another key online security oversight involves failing to activate two-step verification, a security measure that introduces an extra step during the login process to prevent unauthorized access to your account. “Implementing a second verification step can significantly reduce various types of attacks, including all automated bot attacks,” Sriram explains.
Not set Screen lock PIN on your mobile device
This simple action protects your information from unauthorized access and inadvertent destruction, instilling a sense of security and promoting sound security practices. However, not all screen lock PINs provide the same level of security. Sriram advises against using a weak PIN with an easily identifiable pattern, such as “1234.”
Click on suspicious links
Cybercriminals often disguise malicious links as genuine, blurring the line between truth and deception. Christian acknowledges the challenge: “It’s hard to advise against clicking on anything or relying solely on links from trusted sources.” In today’s online environment, malicious links often disguise themselves as genuine emails and harmless social media posts. However, if you’re not careful, all of these can become portals for malware and data breaches.
No password recovery plan
It’s common to forget your password or lose your phone, both important parts of a two-factor authentication system. However, failure to have a recovery plan in place could leave you without access to your account for an extended period of time. To reduce this risk, consider adding a secondary email address or phone number. This allows Google to contact you if your account is locked.