Frederick Boyd

Cybersecurity isn’t just about firewalls—it's about vigilance #cybersecuritytips

Your printer may store documents, address books, or network settings. Before disposing of it, follow the manufacturer's instructions for clearing its data.

A fresh install is a good time to set up updates, encryption, a screen lock, and backups. Build those habits before the device fills up with important files.

One useful habit: pause when a message asks you to bypass the usual process. Urgency is a reason to verify the request, especially when money or account access is involved.

MFA adds protection, but methods differ. An authenticator app can reduce risks tied to text messages; passkeys and FIDO security keys also resist phishing.

Keep an up-to-date list of important devices at home. Include who uses them and whether they're still receiving updates.

Back up business-critical configurations as well as files. Rebuilding a service can be slow when its settings exist only on the failed device.

Practice reading the original event as well as the normalized SIEM fields. Parsing can hide details or introduce errors worth spotting.

If your phone suddenly loses service without an explanation, contact your carrier using another device. An outage is possible, but an unauthorized SIM change also needs checking.

Check camera and microphone permissions for apps and websites. Access you granted for one call doesn't always need to stay enabled forever.

Be careful with login pages opened from shared documents. If a file unexpectedly asks you to sign in, check the sender and destination before entering anything.

An app asking for your entire mailbox deserves more thought than an app asking to show notifications. Read the permission request before selecting Allow.

One practical weekly habit: review the security alerts from your important accounts. Look into activity you don't recognize through the service itself.

Account offboarding includes tokens, API keys, shared passwords, and delegated access. Disabling one login may not cover every way into the environment.

For a learning exercise, write down what evidence would change your mind. It helps you test an explanation instead of only searching for support.

Before granting a smart-home app access to another service, read the permissions. Connecting two apps can create access beyond the device you're setting up.

I like troubleshooting notes that include the error, the change made, and the result. "Fixed it" doesn't give the next person much to work with.

Don't send money because a social media friend says they're stranded. Call them through a number you already have. Their account could be in someone else's hands.

I don't want a security process that depends on someone being perfect every day. Clear prompts, safer defaults, and limited permissions give people support when they're busy.

When you remove sensitive data, follow the right process for the storage system. Emptying a folder may leave versions, backups, or shared copies behind.

Make it easy for staff to report suspicious activity from a phone. The reporting process should still work when their work computer is the problem.