Cybersecurity Hygiene

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Cybersecurity Hygiene

[sahy-ber-si-kyoor-i-tee hahy-jeen]

What Is Cybersecurity Hygiene?

Cybersecurity hygiene refers to the regular practices and habits that help keep your digital life safe and secure, just like brushing your teeth helps maintain oral health. It's about creating and maintaining good daily habits for protecting your personal information and devices.

Word Origins:

The term combines "cybersecurity" (from "cybernetics," coined in 1948 by Norbert Wiener) and "hygiene" (from Greek "hygieinos" meaning "healthy"). The combination emerged in the early 2000s as digital threats became more common, drawing parallels between personal health habits and digital safety practices.

Essential Habits for Good Cybersecurity Hygiene

Using strong, unique passwords for different accounts

Regularly updating apps and software

Being careful about which Wi-Fi networks you connect to

Avoiding suspicious links and downloads

Backing up important data regularly

Using two-factor authentication when available

Common Cybersecurity Hygiene Mistakes

Using the same password across multiple accounts

Ignoring software updates

Clicking on links from unknown sources

Not backing up important files

Sharing sensitive information on public networks

Skipping security settings reviews on social media

Digital Hygiene: The practice of maintaining a healthy relationship with digital devices and online presence

Digital Wellness: The state of physical and mental health in relation to digital technology use

Digital Boundaries: Set limits and rules for healthy technology use and online safety

Cybersecurity Hygiene