Happy Computer Security Day!

Today, 30th November, marks National Computer Security Day.

The day has been marked since 1988 when computers were becoming more common, and the internet was in its infancy.

Hacking and viruses have been around since the 80s, especially with the growing increase of valuable data being stored on machines by businesses and the government (which nowadays has its own agency, NCSC, to help businesses raise their awareness of cyber security matters).

More and more information that could be stolen by hackers has been stored ever since and, therefore, the Computer Security Day was born to help raise awareness of this growing threat of computer crime and the importance of keeping that data safe.

In these times of numerous electronic devices – smart phones, tablets, laptops, desktops – the advancement in technology has not outgrown the threat and privacy and security still needs to be at the fore of our minds.

Here’s a few things you should do to celebrate and not commiserate on your Computer Security Day:

• Patch – ensure all your software updates are done
• Don’t let them in – ensure you have strong passwords – Use 3 random words or a phrase but don’t reuse these passwords
• Ensure cyber security software, such as antivirus, is in use – If in use, ensure that your other devices (phones, tablets) also have security installed
• Encrypt and backup data – If a hacker gets in and installs ransomware on your desktop, you’ll want to be sure that you have all your documents (and your holiday photos) stored elsewhere too
• Evoke multi-factor (MFA)/two-factor authentication (2FA) – to ensure that only you can access your bank accounts, emails, databases etc
• Antivirus – if you don’t have any antivirus installed, get some!

So, here’s to the good old computer and the good guys and gals keeping you and it safe.

If you want to chat about any cyber security concerns or questions, please get in touch.