Digital security is the best exercise we should practice for a healthy life

Adopting a good digital security posture will allow us to be more protected, more energized and more oneself. In this way, we will be in better shape to achieve our goals by protecting what matters most.

Risks: what we should protect ourselves from

We know that digital threats are increasingly real. We are exposed to risks. These range from information theft, identity theft, extortion, fraud and denial of services that we use in our day to day. Additionally, cybercriminal attacks continue to grow and this is the new normal of digital life.

Unfortunately, digital security is not something that comes ready. It comes from our own actions.

Digital Security : what issues and actions should we focus on

There are various actions we must take to protect ourselves in the digital world. The NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology) has information security policies and standards that are considered international best practices. Among the relevant issues that every user needs to be aware of and adopt for their digital security, are:

• Password security
• Critical Account Authentication
• Email security
• Protection against malicious code (viruses, worms, Trojan horses, ransomware, among others)
• Internet browsing security
• Social Engineering (techniques to obtain information or access through manipulation)
• Software and device update
• Security in the workplace
• Access control to systems and segregation of duties
• Security when traveling
• Backup and data storage
• Mobile Device Security
• Incident response (what to do, who to report to)
• Physical security (physical access, visitor control and environment controls)
• Data encryption and transmission of sensitive information over the Internet
• Protection of information according to its classification (confidential, restricted use, public)
• User responsibility, security policies and acceptance of use
• Proper use of software licenses and intellectual property

The important challenge of Cybersecurity

I recognize that the issues, which are diverse, complex and involve actions, may seem difficult to achieve at first. It’s like having to run a 26-mile marathon and not knowing where to start.

However, if we do not face adversity, there is no growth. And without growth, there is no expanded capacity. Adversity is exposure to stress and with this stimulus we grow in our lives. As long as we get an adequate recovery from stress, growth will happen.

Exercise is adversity training for the body. When we practice exercises or a sport, we develop muscles, dexterity and flexibility. Similarly, we are going to extend these benefits of repetitive motion to the field of cybersecurity. We need to turn our security activities into a daily ritual.

Benefits that we will obtain with Digital Security

Be more prepared: knowing the main risks in the digital world and being alert to their signals. This will allow you to act and respond nimbly and confidently.

More energized: feeling good and protected doing what matters most, what you most like to do and what you are good at. This will give you more enthusiasm and increase your energy levels.

Be more yourself: being aware that you are protecting what matters most. This will give you greater resilience and strength necessary to successfully achieve your goals.

We can see security as breathing. This is a tool that helps us to focus, to find our balance. We are what we do repeatedly and consistently. It is a way of living, something we can always turn to and support ourselves in difficult and stressful times.

Guide to Digital Security exercises

You will be able to learn and adopt good digital security habits by watching the following series.

13 essential hygiene steps to reduce digital risk

1. Protect digital identity with strong passwords. Store them in a password manager
2. Activate two-factor authentication for our critical accounts
3. Keep our devices and apps up to date
4. Do not click on links, email attachments, or text messages. Especially from unreliable sources
5. Use the native antivirus and firewall of the operating system. Keep them updated. If possible, use some additional anti-malware solution
6. Browse and stay on reputable websites. The less trustworthy the site, the greater the risk
7. Do not use file sharing sites to access free content
8. Do not install software from a website if it is instructed to do so online. Always do this from the official source
9. Do not trust offers you receive. Log off. Instead do this from the official channel
10. Make a regular backup
11. Not using an account with administrator permissions to perform day-to-day tasks
12. Only share sensitive personal information by secure means
13. Be alert and listen to our inner voice

Additionally, you can find various educational resources on the CyberSergei site: Games, Inspiration Quotes and Infographics to continue exercising. Let’s learn effectively. Good habits are maintained with the use of integrated delivery methods.

Digital Security: Connecting the Dots

Nothing is so important or so urgent that it cannot be done securely. We need to exercise by adopting good habits and digital protection measures to achieve our goals.

It is important to note that our only security is the ability we have to change. We need to exercise cybersecurity, and move forward one step at a time. Let’s start from today, and as we make progress, let’s acknowledge our progress!

Quote to Keep in Your Pocket

“We must seek security in ourselves, and it must be forged by our own hand” – William Wordsworth

To learn more about Digital Security, get to know «Cybersergei Manifest». If you want to send a message to CyberSergei, visit the contact page here.