Mind Your Data

They say data is the new oil — and as monetary transactions become increasingly virtual, I completed the IBM SkillsBuild Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate to share the key lessons I learned about staying private and safe.

The 100th time I clicked "Ignore" on that software update.

Does that software update on your phone keep annoying you? Software updates often include patches for security vulnerabilities — so it’s wise to regularly update your devices and applications.


You can even schedule updates while you’re asleep — just remember to stay connected to the internet.

Breach here, breach everywhere!

We all know to use long, complex passwords. But do we remember to use a different password for our bank account than we do for other sites?


If another account is breached, your finances will be better protected.

Virtually Permanent

Remember: everything you post online is virtually permanent.


Even small pieces of information can add credibility to a social engineering attack.

If something is too good to be true, it probably is.

You receive an email from a "representative of a lottery" congratulating you on winning a grand prize.


Or maybe a message from a bank asking you to update your password.

These are common examples of social engineering — where someone tries to trick you into giving up private information.


Don’t be afraid to challenge suspicious requests.

And remember: if something is too good to be true, it probably is.

Something phishy about this email? Here's how to spot it:

• Were you expecting this email?
  


• Is it from someone or a company you recognize?
  


• Does it use a generic greeting instead of your name?
  


• Does it contain poor grammar or spelling errors?
  


• Does it create a false sense of urgency?
  


• Is it asking for your password or bank details?

Tip:


Don’t click on links without verifying the URL.


Look for https:// and check for misspellings or unusual characters in the web address.

Principle of Least Privilege

This concept is often used in organizations to prevent cyberattacks, but it’s a useful mindset for everyone.


It simply means: give apps or users only the permissions they need.

For example:


I only enable location access when I actually need the app to use it.

Cybersecurity isn’t just for tech professionals — it’s for all of us.


Hopefully, these tips help you stay a little safer online.