When we’re talking about digital hygiene, we’re not referring to the need to regularly give your phone or computer a wipe down with a cleaning cloth (though you should be doing that, too). We’re talking about your digital footprint, and the need to practice good online hygiene in order to protect yourself from cyber threats.
What is good digital hygiene?
Good digital hygiene, or online or cyber hygiene, involves keeping your devices (such as your phone, computer and tablet) well-organised and up to date with the latest updates and security patches. This can help to keep your device running smoother for longer, and can also help to protect your device against cyber threats.
Online hygiene is all about the ways you use your device and the precautions you take in order to keep your data and personal information organised and secure. Digital hygiene can be best managed with a combination of good organisation and diligent security. When you’re able to successfully manage your online presence and ensure that your internet security is strong, you’ve effectively given your device a clean bill of health.
The importance of good digital hygiene
The purpose of cyber hygiene is to keep your personal information and data secure in order to protect it from cyberattacks.
If you think about this the same way you’d keep your house clean, you can see how practicing good digital hygiene is important. At home, you take time to regularly vacuum the floor, wipe down surfaces and take out the garbage. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself having to laboriously navigate a messy house that is filled with creepy crawlies that are attracted by all the trash.
If you don’t regularly scan for cyber security threats, remove old, unused apps and accounts, and install the latest updates, then you’ll find your devices are not only running slowly, but are more vulnerable to cyber attacks.
6 easy tips for good digital hygiene
- Use strong, unique passwords
One of the digital hygiene basics is to always ensure that you’re using strong, unique passwords for all your accounts. Using the same weak password for all your online accounts means that if a hacker is able to get into one of your accounts, they can use that stolen password to access your other accounts, too. - Install the latest updates
Every time your computer, phone or tablet asks you to install the latest update, make sure you do as soon as possible. These software updates usually include updates that can help to protect your device from the latest malware. - Delete unused apps and old accounts
Maybe you downloaded an app one day just because you were bored, or you created a new account in order to make a one-off online purchase. But these unused apps and accounts can pose a cyber security threat. For example, old apps that no longer receive updates mean they are not as well protected as newer apps with more frequent updates. The same goes for old accounts you’ve created that you no longer use. - Install antivirus software
Installing the right kind of antivirus software will give you an edge when it comes to protecting your devices while you’re online. Many internet security software subscription services perform constant online scans to protect your devices from cyber attacks, and will notify you if they’ve discovered a cyber threat or a breach. By keeping on top of the latest online security updates, you’re helping to keep your device clean and virus-free. - Never download anything from suspicious websites
When you visit a website, you’ll notice that the URL begins with either “https” or “http”. The “s” here stands for “secure”, meaning the website is protected. If you log onto a website that does not have an “s” in the first part of the URL, then you should be aware that the website may not be secure and you may be exposed to online security threats. - Consider using a VPN
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) works by establishing a private connection between your device and the internet. A VPN is capable of making it more difficult for cyber criminals to track your activities and steal your data by encrypting your internet traffic. Make digital hygiene a priority Practicing good digital hygiene means that it becomes second nature – just like washing your hands and brushing your teeth. Online hygiene isn’t the kind of thing you need to do only once every so often, but rather something you need to think of regularly. By making these tips a part of your digital hygiene routine, you’re taking steps towards better managing your digital footprint – which can make it more difficult for cyber criminals to target you.
Make digital hygiene a priority
Practicing good digital hygiene means that it becomes second nature – just like washing your hands and brushing your teeth. Online hygiene isn’t the kind of thing you need to do only once every so often, but rather something you need to think of regularly. By making these tips a part of your digital hygiene routine, you’re taking steps towards better managing your digital footprint – which can make it more difficult for cyber criminals to target you.