Top 5 Cybersecurity Tips 

Here are simple and concrete cybersecurity tips that can go a long way towards protecting your personal information.

Everyone seems to be carrying extra anxiety these days and part of the overwhelm is undoubtedly tied to a sense of helplessness in a chaotic world.

While not everything is within our control, there are steps we can take to feel proactive in protecting ourselves and our loved ones—particularly in an era where our entire lives are online.

Rest assured that a few simple cybersecurity tips can indeed go a long way towards protecting your data, devices, and privacy.  

From browsing your favourite news sites, shopping online, or just trying to keep your accounts secure, here are 5 essential cybersecurity tips that everyone should follow.  

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords (or a Password Manager)

Let’s be honest, it’s so annoying to have to think up and remember passwords. That’s why some people still default to terrible, guessable options like “password12345” (yes, that still happens).

Cybersecurity Tip:

• Use a longer, more complex password with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Never reuse passwords and use different options across multiple accounts.
• Consider a password manager that will generate random, stronger options, and save them for you.

Why It Matters: Data breaches happen. If your password gets leaked, you don’t want a hacker accessing all of your accounts because your password is simple or the same for all your information.  

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) Everywhere Possible  

Once you’ve solidified your password strategy, adding two-factor authentication (often seen as 2FA) takes the protection one step further. When 2FA is activated, even if your password is compromised, they’ll need access to your secondary account (text or email, usually) to access your account. 

Cybersecurity Tip:

• Enable 2FA on all your accounts (from email to banking to social media).
• Authenticator apps can also offer additional security beyond an SMS code. 

Why It Matters: Even if your account is hacked (or subject to an attempted hack), it’s next to impossible to break in fully without the secondary authentication. 

3. Beware of Phishing Scams  

A scam that gets more sophisticated by the day, phishing attacks are when scammers present as legitimate contacts and trick you into revealing your personal information. Phishing can come through emails, texts, or even fake websites. 

Cybersecurity Tip:

• Never click on suspicious links or any links from senders you do not know.
• Double check email addresses to be sure they are from the person or company you recognize.
• If in doubt, follow-up with the company via their website contact form. 

Why It Matters: You could inadvertently reveal your login details, credit card information, or even be susceptible to malware on your device with just one wrong click.  

4. Keep Your Software and Devices Up-to-Date

It’s easy to think of updating your software for the latest features, but often these patches also target security vulnerabilities. Whenever your device alerts you to an available update, be sure to install it in a timely manner. 

Cybersecurity Tip:

• Enable automatic updates wherever available on your devices.
• If your software is no longer eligible for updates, it’s time to upgrade entirely. 

Why It Matters: Hackers can break into outdated software much more easily than you might expect. Staying on top of updates helps keep you protected against the latest in digital hacking trends. 

5. Use a Temporary Online Number

Never give your private contact information to strangers or businesses when a temporary Hushed number will do. This includes signing up for subscriptions, discounts, mailing lists, or anytime you need to create an online account. 

Cybersecurity Tip:  

• Sign up with Hushed for just a few dollars to receive an online number that can be used anytime you need to provide your contact information. 
• Dispose of the number when you’re done with it, and grab a new one whenever you need. 

Why It Matters: Like our other cybersecurity tips, you don’t need to go off the grid to stay safe. Just keep your private contact separate from anything that you will be sharing with corporations or temporary contacts who can just use your online Hushed number instead.