Digital Security

In this article, you will find,

1. Tools of Digital Security
2. Monitoring your System

3. Tools of Digital Security

Digital security is essential for everyone, from casual internet users to those managing sensitive data. Here are key digital security measures everyone should know and use:

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords

Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.

Avoid reusing passwords across multiple accounts.

Consider using a reputable password manager to store and generate secure passwords.

2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

Add an extra layer of security by enabling 2FA for accounts where it’s available.

Choose an authenticator app or a hardware token over SMS-based 2FA for better security.

3. Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi

Avoid accessing sensitive information (like banking or email) over public Wi-Fi.

Use a VPN to encrypt your internet traffic on public networks.

4. Keep Software Updated

Regularly update operating systems, applications, and antivirus software.

Enable automatic updates whenever possible to protect against known vulnerabilities.

5. Use Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software

Install and keep antivirus and anti-malware software updated.

Perform regular scans to detect and remove any malicious software.

6. Beware of Phishing Attacks

Be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or calls asking for personal information.

Look out for red flags like misspellings, generic greetings, or links that don’t match the sender's URL.

Verify the source by contacting the organization directly if you're unsure.

7. Backup Data Regularly

Use both cloud-based and offline backups for essential data, like personal photos or work files.

Ensure backups are encrypted and stored securely.

8. Limit Data Sharing and Permissions

Limit app permissions to only what's necessary for functionality.

Be mindful of what personal information you share online, especially on social media.

9. Secure Your Home Network

Change the default username and password for your router.

Use a strong password and encryption protocol like WPA3.

Regularly update router firmware to keep it secure.

10. Use a Firewall

Enable a firewall on your devices to monitor and block unauthorized traffic.

Most operating systems come with a built-in firewall—ensure it’s turned on.

11. Monitor Accounts for Suspicious Activity

Regularly review bank, email, and social media accounts for any unusual activity.

Set up notifications for transactions or login attempts to stay alerted to potential breaches.

12. Use Encrypted Messaging Apps

Prefer encrypted messaging apps (e.g., Signal, WhatsApp) for sensitive conversations.

End-to-end encryption ensures only you and the recipient can read the messages.

13. Clear Out Old Data and Accounts

Delete old files, accounts, or apps that you no longer use.

Remove sensitive information from devices before selling, giving away, or recycling them.

By following these security basics, you can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber threats.

4. Monitoring your System

To monitor your system for programs or files that shouldn't be running or that you don't recall installing, follow these steps. This process will help you identify suspicious programs and files on your system.

Step 1: Check Running Processes (Windows)

• Open Task Manager:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.

2. Click on the "Processes" tab to view the running processes.

3. Look for any unfamiliar or suspicious processes.

• Check Resource Usage:

1. Sort the processes by CPU, Memory, or Disk usage by clicking on the respective column headers.

2. Investigate any process consuming an unusually high amount of resources.

• Verify Suspicious Processes:

1. Right-click on any suspicious process and choose "Open File Location" to see where the file is stored.

2. You can also right-click and select "Search online" to look up more information about the process.

Step 2: Check Startup Programs

• Open Task Manager:

1. Navigate to the "Startup" tab to see programs that start automatically when your computer boots up.

2. Disable any programs you don't recognize or remember installing by right-clicking and selecting "Disable."

3. Keep track of the names of unfamiliar programs for further investigation.

Step 3: Review Installed Programs

• Windows:

1. Press Win + R, type appwiz.cpl, and press Enter. This will open the "Programs and Features" window.

2. Scroll through the list and look for any software you don’t recall installing.

3. If you find any, consider uninstalling them by selecting them and clicking "Uninstall."

• Mac:

1. Open "Finder," then click on "Applications" from the sidebar.

2. Look for any unfamiliar applications, and drag them to the trash if they seem suspicious.

Step 4: Check for Suspicious Files

• Search Your File System:

1. Navigate to common installation folders such as C:\Program Files, C:\Program Files (x86), or the Downloads folder.

2. Look for any folders or files with unusual names or ones you don’t remember installing.

3. Use file properties (right-click > Properties) to see when the file was created and check for digital signatures.

Step 5: Use Built-in Tools

• Windows Defender (Windows):

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.

2. Go to "Update & Security" > "Windows Security."

3. Select "Virus & threat protection" and click "Quick scan" or "Full scan" to check for malicious programs.

• Activity Monitor (Mac):

1. Open "Finder," go to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Activity Monitor."

2. Review CPU, Memory, and Disk usage tabs for unusual activity.

Step 6: Check for Unknown Network Connections

• Windows:

1. Open Command Prompt by pressing Win + R, typing cmd, and pressing Enter.

2. Type netstat -ano and press Enter. This will list all active network connections.

3. Look for any unfamiliar IP addresses or programs connected to your system.

• Mac:

1. Open "Terminal" and type netstat -an to review active network connections.

Step 7: Run Anti-Malware/Anti-Virus Software

• Use trusted anti-malware software (such as Malwarebytes, Norton, or Kaspersky) to scan your system for any malicious or unwanted software.

• Run a full system scan to ensure a thorough check.

Step 8: Check System Logs for Anomalies (Advanced)

• Windows Event Viewer:

1. Press Win + X and select "Event Viewer."

2. Check the "System" and "Application" logs for any unusual warnings, errors, or events.

• Mac Console:

1. Open "Console" from the Applications > Utilities folder.

2. Review system logs for any strange entries or repetitive errors.

Step 9: Stay Vigilant

• If you find suspicious software or files:

• Research before deleting: Some critical system processes may look unfamiliar.

• Restore backups: If anything, critical was altered, consider restoring your system to a previous state.

By following these steps, you can regularly monitor your system for unwanted or suspicious activity and ensure it remains clean and secure.