Cyber attack: Online security tips (and myths)

If one needed a reminder about the importance of protecting oneself online, we live in a time where mass ransomware events blackmail businesses, phishing threats exploit ordinary citizens, and large national budgets are given to protecting countries from a cyber attack. As we place more and more important information online, it pays to take a deeper look at some of the common views of cyber security to see which are worth following (and which are merely hearsay).

"Does the privacy mode on my browser keep me safe?"

Where have I heard this from?

Privacy mode (or Incognito mode for Google Chrome users) is an alternative mode on most internet browsers that allows users to surf without leaving behind browsing history or cookies. You've probably heard it being touted as a way to log into online services safely on public networks, prevent Google from thinking you're lame, or to even get cheaper air tickets.

Is it really safe?

Depends on the goal. From a privacy perspective, one's online behaviour won't be saved on the browser (but only to an extent, as a recent test found out), though this does not prevent the websites you go to from potentially recording your visit. Privacy mode certainly will not prevent a cyber attack or online scams from happening to you.

What should I do?

For starters, having good browser protection can go a long way to helping you surf safely. Sites like TechRadar have undertaken various analyses of the best internet firewalls and browser security extensions, but it’s worth remembering that cyber security’s also about having a good dose of common sense - do refrain from clicking into questionable URL addresses or known unsafe websites.

"Does taping up my webcam keeps me safe?"

Where have I heard this from?

Probably from the time when the internet went into a curiosity meltdown after spotting a piece of tape over the camera and mic jack of Mark Zuckerberg's laptop. (Also, that Alex Lawther Black Mirror episode in season three - yes Netflixers, you know which one).

Is it really safe?

Hard to make a definite call. There are known exploits on our computers for hackers to do such a thing, (and there have been confirmed cases of webcam hacking), but without conclusive cyber security studies on it, at this point this seems very much a case of "it certainly wouldn’t hurt to do it."

What should I do?

Well, if you're going to tape up your webcam with a flimsy piece of cellophane, might as well make it look nicer (and less dodgy) with this nifty sliding webcam cover over at Amazon.

"Does changing the default password on my Wi-Fi keep me safe?"

Where have I heard this from?

Probably from every internet service provider you've ever gotten a Wi-Fi router from (us included).

Is it really safe?

Changing default passwords on your accounts and Wi-Fi networks is recommended as hackers have been known to easily break into online systems using shared default passwords. So yes, it's definitely important.

What should I do?

There's plenty on the cyber security subject of passwords, but the main drift is to have different unique passphrases (a more complex string of characters much harder to crack than the usual password) for all our Wi-Fi and online accounts. One can consider a password management service to help with this, or using two-factor authentication (having an additional keycode sent to one's mobile or email) whenever possible to add extra layers of security.

"Am I am safer with a Mac/iPhone?"

Where have I heard this from?

Almost certainly from Apple commercials and campaigns (like the one about Justin Long and the hazmat suit, and the one about Justin Long and the flu virus).

Is it really safe?

Historically, while more viruses have been discovered on PC than on Mac, it doesn't imply that Apple's products are more immune than other systems to a cyber attack. A cyber security report last year found that five times more OS X-specific malware were discovered in 2015 than in the previous five years combined; cyber security giant Kaspersky Labs also confirmed that OS X-related malware has been on the rise since 2003.

What should I do?

Besides keeping up with the news, regularly updating your operating system will help you get the latest security fixes to keep you protected. And yes, this applies to all operating systems!

"Isn't my anti-virus supposed to stop any cyber attack?"

Where have I heard this from?

Anti-virus software (whether third-party or built-in like Windows Defender) is practically bundled into every desktop-maker's computer. It's also part-marketing - in a competitive industry, every software-maker wants to be that one-stop solution for you after all.

Is it really safe?

This has been up for debate recently, with a growing school of thought critiquing the efficacy of anti-virus software itself. It should be noted, however, that there has been no direct incident (yet) of the software itself having been hacked into. Moreover, a phishing or ransomware cyber attack wouldn't even need to get past your anti-virus to steal your important information, so it’s clear that anti-virus software isn’t the be-all and end-all to cyber security.

What should I do?

By all means, get a good anti-virus for basic online security. However, you should not just rely on a single piece of software for all your web protection needs. Apply our cyber security tips here (and many more in our community article) to better protect yourself online!

From you to the next generation.

Cyber security can be a complex challenge to grasp, even for adults, so just imagine how much more easily children can fall into the same traps of online scams, frauds and unsafe sites. Now that you know how to properly block a cyber attack, teach your kids to be web-smart and avoid undesirable websites with JuniorProtect, our parental control tool that keeps your little ones safe online. You can even manage their screen time, track their location and more, all in a few clicks - find out how now!