What is Cyber Hygiene? How We Can Achieve It

Posted on: Aug 3, 2022 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

What is Cyber Hygiene? How We Can Achieve It

The use of the internet and cloud networks is increasing at an astonishing pace. Cloud security and cyber security have especially gained prominence during the pandemic. The increase in cyber-attacks has highlighted the need for cyber security. Hackers can hack the systems and steal sensitive data, which can risk a company's financial and reputational risk. In line with the increase in the use of cyber networks, the concept of cyber hygiene has gained prominence. Cyber hygiene is a set of practices that all organizations and individuals working for the organizations should follow to reduce the impact of cyber threats.

What is Cyber Hygiene?

Just like human beings can preserve their health by taking preventive measures like a balanced diet, exercise, etc., individuals working in companies need to follow a set of best practices to reduce the chances of cyber threats and cyber-attacks. Cyber hygiene practices aim to keep the data secure. The chances of thefts are reduced by following the best cyber hygiene practices. Cyber hygiene includes using strong email passwords, not sharing the passwords with anyone, not using public wifi to check email, etc. The cyber hygiene practices must be formulated at the IT level of the company, and the practices should be followed by all the individuals working in the company.

Benefits of Cyber Hygiene

The benefits of cyber hygiene are immediate as well as long-term. By following the cyber hygiene best practices, the company can reduce the risk of operational interruptions, data compromises, and data losses. Basic cyber hygiene is necessary to reduce the risks of cyber thefts and cyber attacks. Cyber hygiene is the first line of defense against cyber theft and cyber-attack.

Challenges of Maintaining Cyber Hygiene

Maintaining cyber hygiene is not easy, considering the size and scale of firms nowadays. Some of the challenges in maintaining cyber hygiene are:-

1. Breadth and complexity of IT environments-

The number of users and the complexity of the IT systems are one of the main challenges in maintaining cyber hygiene. The devices and assets are spread across multi-cloud environments. This makes maintaining proper cyber hygiene extremely difficult.

2. Continuous process-

Cyber hygiene is not a one-time exercise but a set of practices to be followed continuously for a long time. The process is monotonous, and there are chances of lapses due to mundane tasks.

3. User involvement-

Cyber hygiene can't be maintained with just the IT department of the firm. It requires effort on the part of all the employees. The number of different types of use makes it difficult to maintain cyber hygiene.

Cyber Hygiene Best Practices

The best practices require effort on the part of all the employees of the firm. Some of the best practices are:-

1. Backups- Backups are required to be stored at remote locations to ensure that the backup can be used to restore the system in the event of a cyber attack.

2. Learning and knowledge- The knowledge and learning to avoid cyber-attacks are immense, and the users should know how to avoid phishing and malware attacks. Some important practices like not clicking on external links in an email are some of the practices that organizations should follow diligently.

3. Encryption- The encryption of data prevents its misuse and protects sensitive information.

4. Firewalls- Firewalls should always be working to reduce the chances of unauthorized access. The reduced authorized access reduces the chances of data theft and other issues.

5. Password protection- Make sure to keep a complicated password and not share your password with anyone else. Cybercriminals can use your password to get sensitive information.

6. Antivirus software- The installation of antivirus software reduces the chances of virus attacks. This protects your system against cyber threats.

Cyber Insurance as a Protection against Cyber Attacks

Cyber insurance is used to protect against the adverse impact because of cyber attacks. Cyber insurance provides total protection against cyber threats. Online attacks can leak your sensitive information and cause financial and reputational damage. With cyber insurance, you will be protected against fraudulent online transactions, identity thefts, breaches of privacy, etc.

We live in the 21st century, and we must protect against losing sensitive information. You must ensure that you are protected against losses due to identity theft or viruses. Any malware attack or cybercrime can cause huge losses and can even lead to permanent reputational damage.

You must ensure that your devices are secured against identity theft and viruses. Cyber insurance protects you against online transactions, social media liabilities, fake website purchases, etc.

Things Covered under Cyber Insurance:-

1. Loss or theft of funds-

Unauthorized digital transactions can lead to heavy losses if the bank reports the illegitimate financial transaction with a delay. Stealing money online is one of the big frauds, and you should be ready to protect yourself against the theft of funds.

2. Identity theft-

Cybercriminals can use your identity after stealing your identity details. Then they can commit fraud by applying for credit cards, filing taxes, etc. Make sure to report the identity theft seriously.

3. Cyberbullying-

Cyberbullying is troublesome for money people, especially women. Stalking or harassing an individual is a big problem which should be dealt with strictly.

4. Online sales-

Any fraudulent online sales are covered under cyber insurance.

5. Network security liability-

Your loss of personal information like credit card numbers, medical information, password, etc., is covered under cyber insurance.

6. Data privacy breach by the third party-

Sending personal information to the wrong person is one example of a data privacy breach by a third party.

Some Activities Might Not be Covered under Cyber Insurance:-

1)Gambling

2)Use of Restricted Websites

3)Loss Incurred in Crypto Currency

4)Cost of Upgrading Devices

5)Coverage to Work Place

6)Coverage for Investment Activities

7)Legal Suit Protection from Family

Conclusion

Cyber threats and cyber attacks are rising continuously. You should protect yourself against cyber attacks by following cyber hygiene. All the members of the organization are required to follow cyber hygiene. But apart from cyber hygiene, you need to buy cyber insurance to protect you from the financial impact of cyber attacks. Cyber insurance covers several forms of liability, and you can protect your finances and reputation by purchasing cyber insurance.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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