A recent Internet security survey on users’ cybersecurity knowledge, showed that though most U.S. internet users understand the basics of CyberSecurity. There is a range of CyberSecurity must-knows that they are just not too sure about.
As a service provider, one of our favorite and most important elements of supporting our customers is educating on a variety of I.T. related subjects. CyberSecurity best practices is a top subject regularly discussed with our customers. It helps make our job easier and makes the internet a safer place for everyone.
- What a VPN Does
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows users to create an encrypted connection between their devices and the internet, making it much harder for anyone other than the user to see their activity.
VPNs have seen an uptick in interest over the past few weeks as lawmakers in the U.S. voted to repeal broadband privacy regulations.
- What is Ransonware?
Ransomware involves criminals encrypting and holding users’ data hostage until paid. Ransomware has been in the news a lot lately, which could help public awareness.
- What is Botnet?
Botnets are behind the escalation in malware activity in 2016, but the majority of internet users don’t know what a botnet is. A Botnet is a network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners’ knowledge, e.g., to send spam messages.
- What Private Browsing Mode Means?
Private browsing (or incognito mode) is a feature in many internet browsers that lets users access websites without information being stored by the browser. But what does that mean in terms of what ISPs can see? Short answer – your usage metadata is still being stored and recorded by ISPs.
- What is Two-Step/ Two-form Authentication?
Two-step or Two-form authentication requires the user to enter a one-time code each time they log in to their account, in addition to their regular username and password. This enhances security and make it much harder for hackers to access hacked accounts using your initial username and password.
- Is Public Wi-Fi Safe?
Even if a public Wi-Fi network requires a password, other users can potentially view the sensitive information a user sends across that Wi-Fi network. We always recommend against using public Wi-Fi networks unless absolutely necessary.
- What an Encrypted Site Looks Like
Encrypting information entered into a website makes it far more difficult for anyone other than the user and website owner to read the information. When a website address or a URL starts with HTTP:// the website is not secure, while a site starting with HTTPS:// is secure.
For additional information or any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us anytime.