Cyber Safety and Security

Meaning. Cyber safety and security refers to the precautions and practices an individual or organisation adopts to protect computer systems, networks, and data against unauthorised access, damage, or theft.

Practical steps for cyber safety:

1. Use strong, unique passwords for different accounts, and change them periodically.
2. Enable two-factor authentication wherever it is offered, so a stolen password alone is not enough to access an account.
3. Keep the operating system and antivirus software updated, since updates frequently patch newly discovered security weaknesses.
4. Avoid clicking suspicious links or opening unexpected attachments, especially in emails or messages claiming urgency (a classic phishing tactic).
5. Use only secure (HTTPS), verified websites for online transactions and banking.
6. Install and properly configure a firewall to filter unwanted network traffic.
7. Back up important data regularly, so a malware attack (such as ransomware) cannot cause permanent loss.
8. Treat unsolicited messages and spam with caution — never share an OTP, PIN, or password in response to any message or call, however official it may appear.
9. Use only licensed, updated software from trusted sources, since pirated software is a common route for malware.