Cyber Hygiene: Simple Daily Practices to Stay Scam-Free

In today’s increasingly digital world, where everything from banking to shopping and business operations is online, cyber threats are more prevalent and sophisticated than ever. Scams, phishing attacks and fraud have evolved, targeting both individuals and businesses. Practising good cyber hygiene—a set of simple daily habits to secure your digital activities—can help protect your personal and financial information from cybercriminals. 

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords 

Passwords are your first line of defence against unauthorised access to your online accounts. Ensure you create strong passwords for every platform you use. A secure password typically consists of a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using personal information such as birthdays or names. 

Tip: Use a password manager to generate and store unique passwords securely. Never reuse passwords across multiple platforms—if one is compromised, others remain safe. 

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) 

Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts. Even if your password is stolen, 2FA ensures that only you can access the account by requiring a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone or email.  

Tip: Enable 2FA for sensitive accounts, including email, banking, and business platforms. 

3. Be Cautious with Links and Attachments 

Phishing scams often lure victims through deceptive emails, text messages, or websites. These messages may contain malicious links or harmful attachments designed to steal your information or infect your device with malware. 

Tip: Always verify the sender’s email address or domain and avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. Hover over links to check their destination before clicking. 

4. Keep Software Updated 

Outdated software often has vulnerabilities that cybercriminals exploit. Regularly update your operating systems, browsers, applications, and antivirus software to ensure you have the latest security patches. 
 

Tip: Enable automatic updates wherever possible to avoid missing critical patches and bug fixes. 

5. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network 

An unsecured Wi-Fi network can be an open door for cybercriminals to intercept data or access your devices. Properly securing your Wi-Fi ensures your connection remains private. 

• Encrypt Your Network: Use the latest encryption standard, WPA3, which offers stronger security than outdated options like WPA2 or WEP. 

• Change Default Credentials: Replace the default network name (SSID) and administrator login credentials provided by your router manufacturer. 

• Use a Strong Wi-Fi Password: Set a robust, unique password that is 12-16 characters long and includes a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. 

Tip: Consult your router’s user manual or online resources to ensure your network is configured with WPA3 encryption. Consider upgrading to a more secure model if you have a router that does not support WPA3. 

6. Regularly Monitor Accounts for Unusual Activity 

Frequent monitoring of your bank statements, credit card transactions, and business accounts can help you detect suspicious activity early. 

 
Tip: Set up real-time alerts or notifications to track account activity and respond quickly to any unauthorized access.  

7. Educate Yourself and Your Team 

Cybersecurity threats evolve constantly, making it essential to stay informed. Regularly update your knowledge on common scams and best practices. For businesses, conduct employee training to reinforce awareness.

Tip: Create a culture of cybersecurity within your organisation, encouraging vigilance and safe practices. 

Practising daily cyber hygiene does not have to be complicated. These simple, proactive measures can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to scams. As the digital landscape continues to grow, staying vigilant and prepared is not just wise—it’s necessary. At SUNRATE, we prioritise secure, efficient payment solutions, enabling our clients to focus on growth while we safeguard their transactions.  

Stay informed, stay protected, and stay scam-free. 

To get started and partner with a solutions provider that can help your business optimise payments and help you scale both locally and globally, open a SUNRATE account today or contact our sales team.