Avoid Common Security Mistakes
Remember when the internet was a simpler time? You’d log on, check your email, maybe play a few rounds of Minesweeper, and then log off without a worry in the world. Those days are long gone. Today, our digital lives are sprawling, complex, and rife with security risks.
Think about it – how much of your daily routine now involves the internet? You probably start your day by checking your phone, browsing social media, and responding to emails. Then it’s off to work, where you’ll likely be logging into various work apps and cloud platforms. After that, you might do a spot of online shopping, stream your favorite show, and maybe even consult a doctor via a telemedicine app. By the time you wind down for the night, you’ll have accumulated a dizzying array of passwords, accounts, and devices – each one a potential vulnerability.
And the threats are real. Cybercriminals are getting more sophisticated by the day, constantly finding new ways to exploit human nature and technical weaknesses. Some reports estimate that 82% of all corporate data breaches are caused by human error [1]. That’s a staggering statistic, but it speaks to the scale of the problem.
So, what can you do to protect yourself? In this article, I’ll walk you through the most common security mistakes people make and share practical tips to help you avoid them. Because let’s face it – our digital lives aren’t going anywhere. The least we can do is try to keep them safe.
Mistake #1: Falling for Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks are the bane of the internet age. These deceptive messages, disguised as legitimate emails, texts, or social media posts, are designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information or downloading malware. And they’re getting harder to spot – the latest phishing kits even allow attackers to spoof the branding and email signatures of trusted organizations [1].
The key is to always approach unsolicited messages with a healthy dose of skepticism. Even if the sender appears to be your bank, your boss, or your favorite online retailer, take a few moments to verify the message’s authenticity. Check the email address, look for subtle differences in the branding, and don’t click on any links or attachments unless you’re 100% sure they’re safe.
Mistake #2: Neglecting Software Updates
It might seem like a hassle, but keeping your software up-to-date is one of the most effective ways to protect your devices and data. Software updates often include critical security patches that address newly discovered vulnerabilities [1]. Hackers are constantly on the lookout for these flaws, so the longer you wait to update, the more time they have to exploit them.
My advice? Enable automatic updates whenever possible. That way, your operating systems, browsers, and apps will stay current without you having to remember to do it manually. And if you do get a notification about a pending update, don’t put it off – take a few minutes to install it right away.
Mistake #3: Using Weak Passwords
Weak, reused passwords are a cybercriminal’s dream. Think about it – if someone manages to crack your “password123” or “ilovecats” password, they now have the keys to your entire digital kingdom. That means they can access your email, social media, banking, and any other accounts that share those credentials.
To avoid this, you need to up your password game. Use long, complex passwords that include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. And never, ever reuse the same password across multiple accounts. If that feels overwhelming, consider using a password manager to generate and store your credentials securely [1].
Mistake #4: Skipping Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is one of the best ways to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts. With MFA, you’ll need to provide two or more forms of identification to log in – like a password plus a one-time code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for attackers to gain unauthorized access, even if they’ve managed to obtain your password.
Despite the proven benefits of MFA, many people still neglect to enable it. Don’t be one of them! Take the time to set up MFA on all of your important accounts, from your email and social media to your banking and work apps. It might add an extra step to the login process, but the peace of mind is well worth it.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Backups
Imagine this scenario: You’re happily working away on an important project when suddenly, your computer freezes up. After a frantic call to tech support, you discover that your hard drive has been encrypted by ransomware. Your files are being held hostage, and the only way to get them back is to pay a hefty ransom.
This nightmare scenario is all too common, and it’s the direct result of failing to backup your data. Regular backups are essential for protecting yourself against data loss, whether it’s from a hardware failure, a cyber attack, or good old-fashioned human error.
The key is to have a reliable backup system in place that includes both local and cloud-based storage. That way, if one copy of your data is compromised, you’ll always have a safe, offline backup to fall back on. And be sure to test your backups regularly to ensure they’re working as they should.
Mistake #6: Blurring the Lines Between Work and Personal Use
In the age of remote and hybrid work, it’s easier than ever to blur the lines between our professional and personal lives. But when it comes to cybersecurity, that’s a big no-no. Using your work laptop or network for personal activities can open the door to all sorts of security risks, from malware infections to data breaches.
My advice? Keep your work and personal devices and accounts completely separate. Use your company-issued devices only for work-related tasks, and save the social media scrolling, online shopping, and Netflix bingeing for your own personal devices. It might feel like an extra hassle, but it’s a small price to pay to protect your employer – and your own digital security.
Mistake #7: Overlooking the Basics
Finally, one of the most common security mistakes people make is simply overlooking the basics. Things like enabling your firewall, turning on FileVault disk encryption, and setting a screen saver password may seem like minor details, but they can make a big difference in keeping your devices and data secure.
That’s why I’m a big fan of the Pareto Security app for macOS [2]. It’s essentially a security checklist that ensures all of these essential settings are properly configured. And the best part? It does it all automatically, so you don’t have to remember to double-check everything yourself.
At the end of the day, cybersecurity might feel like a daunting task, but the truth is, many of the most effective safeguards are actually pretty straightforward. By avoiding these common mistakes and taking a few proactive steps, you can go a long way towards protecting yourself and your digital assets.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start shoring up your security game. Your future self will thank you.
[1] Phil Mancaster, “10 Common Digital Security Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them),” ESET News, November 9, 2022, https://www.welivesecurity.com/2022/11/09/10-common-digital-security-mistakes-how-avoid/.
[2] “Pareto Security – The App to Avoid Common Security Mistakes,” Reddit, November 24, 2021, https://www.reddit.com/r/apple/comments/r41moq/pareto_security_app_for_macos_avoid_common/.
[3] Sanja Milosevic, “5 Common Security Mistakes and How to Avoid Them,” LinkedIn, October 21, 2021, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/5-common-security-mistakes-how-avoid-them-sanja-milosevic.
[4] “Common Cybersecurity Mistakes and How to Avoid Them,” EisnerAmper, March 31, 2023, https://www.eisneramper.com/insights/outsourced-it/common-cybersecurity-mistakes-0323/.
[5] “Cloud Cyber Security Mistakes and How to Avoid Them,” FRSecure, April 3, 2023, https://frsecure.com/blog/cloud-cyber-security-mistakes-and-how-to-avoid-them/.
[6] “Common School and Workplace Security Mistakes to Avoid (and How to Fix Them),” CPH Security Group, April 7, 2023, https://cphsecuritygroup.com/common-school-and-workplace-security-mistakes-to-avoid-and-how-to-fix-them/.
[7] “10 Common Web Application Security Mistakes to Avoid,” Indusface, March 22, 2023, https://www.indusface.com/blog/10-common-web-application-security-mistakes/.
[8] “Avoid These 5 Cloud Security Mistakes,” Help Net Security, February 7, 2024, https://www.helpnetsecurity.com/2024/02/07/cloud-security-mistakes/.
