Cybersecurity Best Practices: 9 Essential Tips to Stay Protected

Cybersecurity best practices are no longer optional—they’re essential for protecting your identity, finances, and peace of mind. With the rapid shift to remote work and increasing digital dependence, cyberattacks are more frequent and more sophisticated than ever.

While we continue to grapple with societal challenges like racism and the effects of a global pandemic, it’s equally important to protect our digital lives. A single successful cyberattack can derail your life or your business for years. In this article, and through our SensCy Cybersecurity Blog: Insights, News & Best Practices, we explore strategies that can dramatically reduce your risk and help you stay safe online.

1. Be Smart About Your Passwords

Your passwords are your first line of defence. One of the most fundamental cybersecurity best practices is creating strong, unique passwords for every account.

• Follow NIST guidelines: use long, memorable passphrases (e.g., “BlueSkyDance#47”) instead of short, complex strings.
• Never reuse passwords.
• Use a reputable password manager such as Bitwarden, 1Password, or Keeper to generate and store passwords securely.

2. Sign Up for Two-Factor Authentication

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) or two-factor authentication as it’s sometimes known as, is a top recommendation from CISA and other cybersecurity authorities.

• MFA adds an extra layer of protection beyond your password.
• It significantly reduces the effectiveness of brute-force and credential stuffing attacks.
• Use authenticator apps like Google Authenticator, Microsoft Authenticator, or Authy instead of SMS when possible.

3. Use Multiple Email Accounts

Segmenting your email accounts helps contain risks. If one account is compromised, others remain secure.

• Separate work, personal, and subscription emails.
• Consider using a “burner” email address for sign-ups or promotions.
• This segmentation also helps you detect unusual cross-activity between inboxes—an early breach indicator.

4. Working at Home Presents New and Bigger Threats

Remote work cybersecurity best practices are critical in today’s flexible work environment.

• Use WPA3 encryption on your home Wi-Fi and change default router passwords.
• Disable SSID broadcasting if not needed.
• Keep work and personal devices separate. If using BYOD, request that your employer install MDM (Mobile Device Management).
• Ask IT for up-to-date security guidelines tailored to remote setups.

5. Use a VPN Especially When Outside Home or Work

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) encrypt your internet connection, securing data while it’s in transit. This is vital for digital nomads; be sure to read our holiday cybersecurity tips to stay safe while traveling before your next trip.

• Critical when using public Wi-Fi at airports, cafés, or hotels.
• VPNs also mask your IP address and prevent location tracking.
• Trusted providers include NordVPN, ProtonVPN, and Mullvad.

6. It’s Not Just Your Computer, Tablet, or Phone

IoT cybersecurity best practices are often overlooked.

• Devices like smart TVs, baby monitors, thermostats, and even smart fridges can become entry points for hackers.
• Create a separate “guest” or “IoT” network to isolate these devices from your main work network.
• Regularly update firmware and disable unnecessary remote access features.

7. Learn About the Other Kind of Fishing, the “ph” Kind

Phishing is one of the most common threats, but it’s evolving. To combat this effectively, remember that cybersecurity training can turn employees into your best defense.

• Look out for urgent language, strange URLs, poor grammar, and attachments with no context.
• Train employees using platforms like KnowBe4 or Proofpoint.
• Verify sensitive requests via another channel. Never trust links or attachments in unsolicited emails.

8. Unplugging is Not Just Good for Meditating

Reducing your digital footprint can shrink your attack surface.

• Unplug devices that aren’t critical when you’re away for long periods.
• Periodically restart or disconnect devices to refresh system memory and disconnect potential intrusions.
• Review what’s connected to your home network every few months and remove anything unused.

9. Practice Good Cyber Hygiene on an Ongoing Basis

Think of cybersecurity like brushing your teeth: a small daily habit that prevents big problems.

• Keep software, apps, and operating systems updated.
• Back up important data regularly.
• Review and adjust security settings on accounts.
• Run regular phishing drills.
• Use security-focused resources like StaySafeOnline.org or CISA.gov to stay current.

The Cost of Ignoring Cybersecurity Best Practices

Cybercrime is a multi-trillion dollar global threat. For small businesses, a single breach can cost thousands—or even force a company to shut down. Beyond financial damage, breaches can erode customer trust and ruin reputations.

The average cost of a data breach in the U.S. in 2023 was $9.48 million (IBM). For small businesses, the average ranged from $120,000 to $1.24 million depending on industry and size.

Cybersecurity for Small Businesses

Small organisations often assume they’re too small to be targeted. In reality, their weaker defences make them more attractive to attackers.

• Use secure file-sharing platforms (e.g., Dropbox Business, OneDrive for Business).
• Train staff to spot social engineering tactics.
• Encrypt all company devices.
• Enable automatic software updates.
• Invest in affordable endpoint protection like Malwarebytes or SentinelOne.

Cybersecurity Tools You Should Be Using

Here’s a basic toolkit every user or business should consider:

• Password Managers: Bitwarden, 1Password, Dashlane
• VPNs: ProtonVPN, NordVPN, Mullvad
• Firewalls: GlassWire, Windows Defender, pfSense
• Anti-malware: Malwarebytes, ESET, Sophos
• Endpoint Detection & Response (EDR): SentinelOne, CrowdStrike Falcon

Signs Your Device or Account Might Be Compromised

Early detection is critical. Common warning signs:

• Unusual login locations or failed login attempts
• Password reset emails you didn’t request
• Sudden slowdowns or overheating
• Apps you don’t remember installing
• Friends reporting spam from your email or social accounts

What to do:

• Change your passwords immediately
• Run a malware scan
• Enable MFA on all accounts
• Contact your IT provider or a cybersecurity professional if the issue persists

Final Thoughts

The digital world offers incredible opportunities—but it comes with serious risks. Cybersecurity is not a one-time checklist. It’s an ongoing commitment to being intentional and proactive.

Small habits make a big difference. Practice relentless positive action in protecting your digital self—and encourage those around you to do the same.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the single most effective cybersecurity practice?

While no single measure offers 100% protection, enabling Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) is widely considered the most effective step. It prevents 99.9% of automated attacks by requiring a second form of verification beyond just a password.

2. Why do I need a VPN if I have antivirus software?

Antivirus software scans your device for malicious files, while a VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet connection. A VPN protects your data in transit—especially on public Wi-Fi—preventing hackers from intercepting sensitive information like passwords or credit card numbers.

3. How often should I update my devices?

You should update your software, operating systems, and applications as soon as updates become available. These updates often contain “patches” that fix security vulnerabilities that hackers use to gain access to systems. Enabling automatic updates is the best practice.

4. What constitutes a “strong” password?

A strong password is at least 12-16 characters long and includes a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Using a passphrase (a sequence of random words like “Correct-Horse-Battery-Staple”) is often more secure and easier to remember than a complex short string.

5. Are smart home devices (IoT) really a security risk?

Yes. Many IoT devices (smart bulbs, thermostats, cameras) have weak default security settings and receive fewer updates than computers. Hackers can use insecure IoT devices as a gateway to access your home network and other connected devices.