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Digital Wellness: 10 Essential Cybersecurity Tips

À l’ère du tout connecté, adopter une bonne hygiène de vie numérique est devenu essentiel pour garantir la sécurité de vos informations personnelles. Bien que la cybersécurité puisse paraître complexe, certains gestes simples suffisent pour réduire considérablement les risques de piratage et d’usurpation d’identité.
Pour le classique « je n’ai rien à cacher », un exemple parlant : Uber avait constaté que les utilisateurs dont la batterie était faible étaient plus enclins à accepter une course à tarif majoré.

A Strong Password for Effective Cybersecurity

One of the most common mistakes is reusing the same password across multiple websites. If a hacker obtains your password for one service, they can gain access to all your other accounts. Use a unique password for each service, with a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. A minimum length of 12 characters is recommended.

Tip:

A password manager can generate and store these passwords for you. That way, you only have to remember a single master password.

Enable two-factor authentication (2FA)

Two-factor authentication for strong cybersecurity

Even if your password is compromised, two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of protection. It requires a second form of verification—such as a code sent via text message or generated by an app—in addition to your password.

Tip:

Opt for authentication apps like Google Authenticator or Authy, or a dedicated hardware token such as Yubikey, since text messages can be intercepted.

Be Wary of Suspicious Emails and Messages (Phishing)

Be Wary of Phishing for Effective Cybersecurity

Phishing is one of the most common methods used to steal information. Be wary of emails or messages that ask you to click on a link or provide personal information, even if they appear to come from a trustworthy source. Always check the sender’s address and do not click on suspicious links.

Tip:

Hover your cursor over a link before clicking it to see where it actually leads. If you're unsure, go directly to the site using your browser rather than clicking a link in an email.

Keep Your Software Up to Date

The Importance of Updates for Effective Cybersecurity

Software updates—whether for your operating system, browser, or applications—often include security patches. Ignoring these updates leaves you vulnerable to security flaws that hackers can exploit.

Tip:

Enable automatic updates whenever possible so you never miss important patches.

Use Antivirus Software and a Firewall

Antivirus and firewall for effective cybersecurity

A good antivirus program is essential for blocking the most common threats. Similarly, a firewall serves as a first line of defense by blocking unauthorized connections to your network.

Astuce :
Veillez à ce que votre antivirus soit à jour…

Back Up Your Data Regularly

Regular backups for good digital hygiene

En cas de piratage ou de ransomware, avoir une sauvegarde de vos données peut vous sauver la mise. Sauvegardez régulièrement vos fichiers importants sur un disque dur externe et sur un service de cloud sécurisé comme le préconise la règle 3-2-1 : « La règle stipule que vous devez avoir au moins 3 copies de vos données : 2 des sauvegardes doivent être stockées sur des types de supports différents, et au moins 1 sauvegarde doit être stockée hors site ou sur le cloud ».

Pensez également à déconnecter votre disque de sauvegarde une fois celle-ci terminée : un support qui reste connecté peut lui aussi être touché en cas d’attaque par rançongiciel.

Astuce :
Planifiez des sauvegardes automatiques hebdomadaires pour ne pas avoir à y penser.

Be Careful on Public Wi-Fi Networks

Be careful when using public Wi-Fi networks

Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, which allows hackersto intercept the data you send and receive. Avoid conducting sensitive transactions (such as online banking) on these networks, and, if possible, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your connection.

Tip:

Enable the "Share My Location," "AirDrop," or Bluetooth features only when necessary, as these features can reveal personal information to other users on the same network or make it easier for hackers to gain access to your devices.

Check Your Privacy Settings on Social Media

manage your privacy settings

Social media can be a goldmine of information for cybercriminals. Limit the amount of personal information you share publicly, and adjust your privacy settings so that only people you trust can see your posts.

Tip:

Review your privacy settings regularly for each social media platform. Platforms often change their policies, which can make your information more accessible.

Créez Plusieurs Adresses Mail

email aliases

Diversifying your email addresses helps limit the impact of a potential hack. A good place to start is to have one email address for important services (taxes, banking, etc.), one for retailers or e-commerce sites you regularly use, and a “junk” address for all the less important or less reliable services that require you to provide an email address.

Tip:

For a one-time service, you can also create a temporary email address on many websites.

Lock Your Devices

key depicting the locking of devices

Whether it's your computer, tablet, or phone, set up a PIN, password, or biometric authentication to lock it. If it's lost or stolen, this will make it much harder for someone else to access your data.

Tip:

Use auto-lock settings that activate after a few minutes of inactivity to prevent your devices from remaining unlocked accidentally.

To Go Further

Cybermalveillance.gouv.fr propose également SensCyber, une sensibilisation gratuite et accessible à tous pour comprendre les principales menaces numériques et adopter les bons réflexes au quotidien.

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