Month: January 2023

A password manager is a tool that securely stores all of your passwords in one place, allowing you to access them with just one master password. With a password manager, you don’t have to remember every password for every website and app you use. Instead, the password manager can generate strong passwords for you and remember them for you, making it easier and more secure to manage your online accounts.

Here are some reasons why you should use a password manager:

Stronger security: Password managers generate strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. This helps prevent hackers from cracking your passwords and accessing your sensitive information.

Convenience: With a password manager, you only have to remember one master password. The password manager will automatically log you into your online accounts, saving you time and hassle.

Cross-device syncing: Most password managers can be used across multiple devices, such as your computer, smartphone, and tablet. This means that you can access your passwords from anywhere, making it easy to manage your accounts on the go.

Improved password habits: Using a password manager can help you establish better password habits. You’ll be encouraged to use strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts, and the password manager will remember them for you.

Increased privacy: With a password manager, you don’t have to worry about your passwords being stored in a text file on your computer or written down on a piece of paper. The password manager uses encryption to protect your passwords, keeping them secure from prying eyes.

Overall, a password manager is a simple and convenient way to improve your online security. By using a password manager, you can reduce the risk of having your passwords hacked and protect your sensitive information.

Meet Sarah, a freelance writer who writes blog posts and articles for various clients. Sarah worked from home, using her personal computer to store her work and communicate with clients.

One day, Sarah received an email from what she thought was a well-known software company. The email contained a special offer on the software and she clicked on it without hesitation.

After downloading the software, Sarah noticed that her computer was running slow and crashing frequently. She tried to access her work but found that all of her files were encrypted, and she was unable to open them.

Sarah soon realized that she had fallen victim to a ransomware attack. The software she had downloaded was actually malware that encrypted all of her files, and the hackers demanded a ransom payment in exchange for the decryption key.

Despite attempting to negotiate with the hackers, Sarah was unable to get her files back and was left with no choice but to start from scratch. She had not backed up her work and had lost months of writing that she could not recover.

The cyber attack had a devastating impact on Sarah’s freelance writing business. She lost many clients due to her inability to deliver work and her reputation was tarnished. Sarah learned the hard way that it is crucial to take digital security seriously and to regularly backup important data and files.

By following best practices for digital security, such as using strong passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and regularly backing up important data, freelancers like Sarah can protect their work and avoid costly losses in the event of a cyber attack.

In the news this week NETGEAR announced that their Nighthawk routers need an urgent firmware update.
A vulnerability has been found that allows hackers to enter the Netgear Nighthawk routers (and, therefore the users wi-fi network) without first entering credentials.
Your router is an essential line of defence for your devices and must be kept up-to-date, and protected by an effective password.

Software code constantly evolves. Criminals find new ways to break into software, meaning code once considered rock-solid will, over time, need to be updated. So code writers have to keep on top of their software, which they do by releasing patches.

Should we be worried about software that is constantly updated? No, it’s a good thing. It shows they are actively looking for issues and resolving them. Instead, be cautious of any software that never/rarely releases patches.

For your part though, make sure you are running your updates.

Digital Assets are your online accounts, website, online shop, booking system, domain name, social profiles etc…

Each of these assets has its own security need. Are you confident that you have the highest level of security in place for these assets?

Currently, the cybercrime threat level is high; the criminals know micro businesses like yours may not have their security ducks in a row, making you an active target.

👉🏻 This January, let’s get stuck in and review the security of your digital assets.

Need some support?

I believe that you, as a self-employed business owner, have unique needs regarding digital security. You are likely non-technical and untrained, yet 100% in charge of your own IT, your decisions and actions being yours alone.

Browse my website to learn more about

🎓 My bitesize training on business security – which includes a process to follow that helps you get the job done

❓ A free quiz to check how secure your business currently is

✔️ A free checklist featuring the seven most important jobs to have ticked off before you’re hit by cybercrime.

COMING SOON! A free workshop for self-employed business owners on business security. Details on how to register will be sent to my email list THIS Thursday.