Think You’re Safe Online? Think Again.
If you think you’re not ‘influential’ enough for hackers to notice, let me introduce you to scams. Cyber scammers don’t care if you’re a billionaire or just trying to pay your Netflix subscription, if you have an email address, you’re a target.
Cybercriminals love easy victims, and if you’re not practicing cybersecurity awareness, you might as well hand them your password on a silver platter. Let’s talk about the simple (but life-saving) habits that can keep you safe.
1. Passwords: The First Line of Defense (Yet Most People Never Take It Seriously)
If your password is “123456” or “password”, please take a moment to reconsider your life choices. I’m serious.
- Use password managers to generate strong passwords.
- Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA), because one lock is never enough.
- Never reuse passwords across multiple sites. Seriously. Don’t.
2. Phishing Scams: Don’t Take the Bait
If an email says, “URGENT: Your account has been compromised! Click here!”, don’t panic—think.
- Check the sender’s email. (If it’s something like “Ne***************@sh**********.com,” that’s a red flag.)
- Hover over links before clicking. (If it leads to crazy sites names such as “definitelynotascam.ru”, don’t click it.)
- When in doubt, go directly to the website instead of clicking links.
3. Public Wi-Fi: A Hacker’s Playground
Free Wi-Fi at the airport sounds great until you realize someone could be stealing your login credentials while you sip your overpriced coffee and pretend to be reading a classy magazine.
- Avoid accessing sensitive information on public Wi-Fi.
- Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for extra protection.
4. Software Updates: Annoying but Necessary
We get it. The “Update Now” pop-up always appears at the worst time. But do you know that ignoring it leaves you vulnerable.
- Updates patch cybersecurity risks and fix malware vulnerabilities.
- Hackers love outdated software, don’t give them an easy way in.
5. Social Engineering: When Hackers Manipulate You Instead of Your Computer
Sometimes, cybercriminals don’t hack systems…they hack people!
- If someone calls pretending to be from your bank and asks for your BVN, please verify their identity before giving any information.
- Be mindful of what you share online. Cybercriminals can piece together personal details.
- Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Final Thoughts: Stay Sharp, Stay Safe
Cybersecurity isn’t just for IT professionals—it’s for everyone. Yes, it’s for YOU too! The more people practice good security habits, the harder it becomes for hackers to succeed.
So, which of these cybersecurity basics do you already practice? And do you have any extra tips to share? Drop them in the comments, I’d love to hear from you!
And oh, to gain foundational knowledge in the world of Cybersecurity, you should visit goverticul.io to start taking the Cybersecurity Risk Management course today.
