As the lead agency in PNG’s Digital Transformation initiative, the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has teamed up with the PNG National Information and Communications Technology Authority (NICTA) and the Pacific Cyber Security Operational Network (PacSON) for this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness throughout the month of OCTOBER.
With a resolute commitment to cultivating a more secure and resilient digital community, the DICT and NICTA, together with the invaluable insights from PacSON, places paramount emphasis on six pivotal measures that will support your digital defense and ensure the safety of your online activities and digital assets…
1. Upsize your passwords: Lengthy, intricate passwords are your first line of defense. Craft unique combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols for each online account to make them difficult for cybercriminals to crack.
2. Upgrade to two-factor authentication: Provide your online accounts with an extra layer of protection. By enabling two-factor authentication, you ensure that even if your password is compromised, a second verification step is needed to access your accounts.
3. Update your apps and software: Outdated software can be a vulnerable entry point for cyberattacks. Regularly update your apps and operating systems to patch security vulnerabilities and keep bugs and viruses at bay.
4. Uphold your privacy: Be vigilant about your online privacy. Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts, limit the personal information you share, and use a virtual private network (VPN) to keep your online activities discreet.
5. Upscale your data and systems backup: Don't wait until disaster strikes to back up your data. Regularly back up your important files to an external hard drive or cloud storage. Test your backups to ensure they're functional and reliable in case of emergencies.
6. Educate yourself: Staying informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices is crucial. Attend workshops, webinars, or online courses to enhance your cybersecurity knowledge.
By taking these steps to upscale your digital security, you'll significantly reduce the risks of falling victim to cyber threats and ensure your online or digital environment remains a safe and secure place.
NICTA / Tech Pacific