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In order to be smarter in cybersecurity, software must be constantly updated. Scientists and engineers also need to constantly update their knowledge. When it comes to updating software, it's usually made so simple that it only requires a couple of mouse clicks. Most importantly, when using your phone or computer you receive a notification that something needs to be updated, don't ignore it or keep postponing it. Simply do it right away. Security updates for existing software are almost always free and don't take too long. And always make sure you understand what you are updating. The notification usually also includes explanations of what exactly is being updated. By keeping your software up-to-date, you are SMARTER!

In order to be smarter in cybersecurity, it is always a good idea to back up your data. By data, I mean important documents on your computer, phone, email accounts, or even family photos and videos. Assume this jar of jam represents your important files. Just as mold can ruin good jam, it's possible that your computer gets infected with a virus and your important files become unusable. Or an accident happens. And you lose your files. With our current knowledge we cannot turn back time. That's why it's important to think ahead. Namely, it's possible to back up data. That means you can easily make backups of your documents or photos. There are two common ways to do this. One way is to copy everything important to an external storage device. For example, a USB stick or hard drive. Another way is to back up to a cloud service. These cloud services often also offer free storage space. But the smartest thing to do is both. Because if something were to happen to the data on your computer, you'll have backups readily available. This way your important files won't be lost forever. By regularly backing up your data, you are being SMARTER!

To be smarter in cybersecurity, you need to know which things are connected to the internet and how to protect them. Scientists and engineers have made it possible for smart vacuum cleaners, watches, picture frames, printers, TVs and many other devices to be widely used in common households. All these devices are connected to the internet through a router. Therefore it's important to change the router's default password and review other security settings. For example, your mobile phone's SIM card password is initially set to 0000 or 1234. Because it's simple, it's also known to many and therefore public. For example, if your home router uses the default password, someone malicious could take control of it and print thousands of cat pictures or turn your TV on at random times, stealing your peace of mind. Even worse, someone could use your router and connected devices as a weapon to attack a school or a local hospital. That's why it's important to review security settings and default passwords for every new device. How can you do this? You will find this information in the device's manual. If the manual is not included, search the internet based on the device's name and model. By checking the security settings and passwords of your router and other home devices, you are being SMARTER!

To be more aware in cybersecurity, you need to consider what you share and who sees your posts or data. First, you should review what is actually exposed to everyone. For example, is your phone number or other contact information visible to the entire world? I, for instance, don't want anyone to view my profile and risk with harassing or scam calls. Similarly, who sees your photos? I have personally been bold with photos, but I do not recommend that to everyone. To check your privacy settings on Facebook, go to "Settings & privacy." "Settings & privacy" – and go through everything one by one. In a similar manner, you can find privacy settings on other platforms. However, on Facebook, there is also the option to refine your privacy settings, where you can review things easily and all at once. By reviewing and configuring these settings according to your preferences, you become more AWARE!

In order to be more aware in cybersecurity, you need to recognize a link that might be dangerous. First and foremost, you need to know that a suspicious link can come from a familiar source. For example, from a company via SMS, a friend through email, and a family member via Messenger, WhatsApp, or another popular communication app. Usually, the text accompanying the link invites you to click on it, much like news headlines. Such phrases may appear. Mostly, these links try to deceive you into entering your credit card information, passwords, or installing malware on your computer. If the link comes from a familiar person, but they usually don't send such things, ask them in another channel what it's about. For example, call them, because their account may have been hijacked. If you happen to click anyway, don't enter any sensitive information anywhere, allow anything to be installed or downloaded. If you can recognize suspicious links this way, you are more AWARE!

To be more aware in cybersecurity, you need to have a keen eye and good discernment. For example, would you trust such newspapers? At a distance and with a quick glance, they might seem similar, but upon closer inspection, they are suspicious. Criminals often create phishing sites that look indistinguishable from the real ones. Often, however, they contain typographical or design errors. The best way to be sure that you are on the right page is to check that the address is correct. When logging into online or mobile banking, make sure you actually land on your bank's page. This is indicated by a correct and familiar address without any unknown add-ons. Look, here are the correct addresses of major banks, and here are the false ones. You also need to be aware of phone scams. Recently, phishing via SMS has also increased. Always approach links arriving in SMS with caution. Also, if someone calls you from the bank and asks for passwords or other sensitive information, rather hang up and call the bank's customer service. If you always check the address and the caller, you are MORE INFORMED!