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Cyber Security Basics – A Beginner’s Guide to Staying Safe Online
What is Cyber Security?
Cyber Security is the practice and technology used to protect computers, mobile phones, networks, servers, and online data from hacking, viruses, fraud, and other cyber attacks.
In simple words, Cyber Security ensures that your personal information, passwords, photos, money, and important data do not fall into the wrong hands while using the internet.
Through Cyber Security, you can—
Prevent data theft
Reduce online fraud
Keep personal privacy safe
Protect organizational and government information
In today’s digital age, Cyber Security is essential for safe internet Threat
Why Cyber Security is Important
Cyber Security is important because it protects our personal information, money, and digital identity from hacking, online fraud, and cybercrime.
Key reasons for its importance—
Protect personal information (passwords, NID, photos)
Prevent theft in online banking and mobile finance
Protect social media accounts like Facebook and email from hacking
Guard against fake links, phishing, and online scams
Keep important office, business, and government data secure
As our digital dependence grows, cyber risks also increase—Cyber Security is the only way to reduce these risks.
Types of Cyber Threats
Cyber Threats are online risks or attacks that can harm your device, network, or data.
Major types of Cyber Threats—
Malware: Viruses, Trojans, ransomware that damage devices or steal data
Phishing: Stealing information through fake emails, SMS, or websites
Hacking: Unauthorized access to systems or accounts
Spyware: Secretly monitoring user information
Ransomware: Locking data and demanding ransom
Social Engineering: Manipulating people to get information
Brute Force Attack: Repeatedly trying to crack passwords
Man-in-the-Middle Attack: Stealing data during communication
Being aware of these Cyber Threats can greatly improve online safety.
What is Malware and How it Works
Malware is harmful software that enters a computer or mobile device without the user’s knowledge, damages the device, steals data, or takes control.
How Malware works—
Enters through fake links, email attachments, or fake apps
Runs secretly after installation
Can steal passwords, photos, and banking info
Slows down the device or causes unusual behavior
Sometimes locks data and demands ransom (Ransomware)
Common types of Malware—
Virus
Trojan
Spyware
Ransomware
Adware
By being cautious and following security practices, you can protect yourself from Malware.
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How Malware Enters Devices
Malware usually takes advantage of user carelessness and enters devices in multiple ways—
Downloading files from fake or suspicious websites
Clicking unknown links in emails or messages
Installing fake or unofficial apps
Using free software, games, or cracked versions
Through USB drives or memory cards
Clicking on pop-up ads
Using outdated or unpatched operating systems
This is why it’s very important to download only from safe sources and keep everything updated.
What is a Phishing Attack
A Phishing Attack is a type of cyber scam where fake emails, SMS, calls, or websites are used to steal your passwords, OTP, banking info, or personal data.
How Phishing usually happens—
Sending fake messages in the name of banks, mobile wallets, Facebook, or Google
Creating urgency or tempting rewards
Asking you to click a link
Forcing you to enter information on fake websites that look real
Types of Phishing Attacks—
Email Phishing
SMS Phishing (Smishing)
Voice Phishing (Vishing)
Fake Website Phishing
By being cautious and avoiding suspicious links, you can protect yourself from Phishing Attacks.
How to Create a Strong Password
A Strong Password is one that cannot be easily guessed by anyone. It keeps your online accounts safe from hacking.
Tips for creating a Strong Password—
Make it long: At least 12–16 characters
Use a mix: Uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and special characters (!,@,#,$, etc.)
Avoid easy words: Don’t use password123, abcd1234, etc.
Don’t use personal info: Avoid birthdays, names, or phone numbers
Change patterns: Don’t use the same password on multiple sites
Use Passphrases: Combine several words for a memorable but strong password, e.g., Blue$Sky!Running2026
Using a Password Manager makes storing and remembering complex passwords easy and safe.
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) is a security method where, in addition to a password, an extra verification step is required so no one can access your account without permission.
What is 2FA?
First factor: Password or PIN
Second factor: OTP, Authenticator App code, SMS code, or biometric verification
This way, knowing the password alone is not enough to access the account.
Why use it?
Prevent hacking and unauthorized access
Protect important information and online transactions
Enhance security against phishing and data theft
Where to enable 2FA:
Email: Gmail, Yahoo, Outlook
Banking/Finance apps: Mobile wallets, banking apps
Social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter
Online stores/accounts: Amazon, PayPal, Shopify
WordPress and other websites
Using an Authenticator App (Google Authenticator or Authy) is safer than SMS.
Safe Internet Usage Guidelines
Some simple but important rules to stay safe online—
Be careful with public Wi-Fi
Avoid accessing sensitive info (banking, passwords) on public Wi-Fi in cafes, airports, hotels
Use a VPN to encrypt your data
Avoid suspicious links
Do not click unknown links in emails, SMS, or social media
Verify links and check for https and the lock icon
Do not install unknown software
Only download apps from official stores
Avoid cracked or pirated software as it may contain Malware
Browser security
Keep browser and plugins updated
Use Ad-blockers to avoid suspicious ads
Enable “Do Not Track” and safe search options
Safe internet use means being cautious, verifying links, using public Wi-Fi carefully, avoiding unknown software, and keeping your browser secure.
Mobile and Computer Security
Protecting devices while using them is crucial. Key points—
Why Antivirus is Needed
Protects devices from viruses, Malware, Spyware, and Ransomware
Scans suspicious files or software
Reduces chances of hacking or data theft
Maintains device performance
Use trusted antivirus like Avast, Kaspersky, Bitdefender, Norton.
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Regular Updates
Keep OS (Windows, Android, iOS) updated
Use the latest version of software and apps
Updates protect against new cyber threats
Check App Permissions
Verify permissions before installing new apps
Avoid giving unnecessary access to location, microphone, or camera
Regularly review old or unused apps’ permissions
Antivirus + Regular Updates + Permission Check = Safe device use
Following these steps keeps your devices safe from Malware and unauthorized access.
Social Media Security
Social media is a big part of life, so safety is very important.
Privacy Settings
Configure privacy settings for each account
Limit who can see your posts, photos, and info
Set profiles and stories to Private where possible
Fake Accounts
Verify unknown friend requests or messages
Fake accounts may be used for Phishing, Scamming, or Spyware
Report or block suspicious accounts
Risk of Oversharing
Never post birthdates, addresses, phone numbers, or banking info publicly
Over-sharing can lead to identity theft
Think before sharing personal photos or location
Proper privacy settings, avoiding fake accounts, and limited information sharing ensure safety on social media.
What is Cyber Crime?
Cyber Crime is any illegal activity or offense done using computers, mobiles, or the internet.
In simple words, it is harming people or organizations through digital devices or online systems.
Examples of Cyber Crime:
Hacking: Accessing accounts or systems without permission
Phishing: Stealing information through fake links or messages
Identity Theft: Using someone else’s identity to cheat
Financial Fraud: Stealing banking, credit card, or mobile transactions
Cyberbullying: Harassing or causing mental distress online
Ransomware Attack: Locking data and demanding ransom
Cyber Crime threatens the security of individuals, businesses, and government information.
How Ordinary People Can Stay Safe
Ways to protect yourself from Cyber Crime and cyber threats—
Use Strong Passwords
Combine uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols
Avoid using the same password on multiple sites
Use a Password Manager to keep complex passwords safe
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Add extra verification to accounts using OTP, Authenticator App, or SMS
Provides stronger protection against hacking
Avoid Suspicious Links or Emails
Do not click unknown links or messages
Stay alert to phishing and scams
Verify URLs and check for https
Use Antivirus and Security Software
Protect computers and mobiles from Malware and viruses
Keep scanning and updates active
Keep Software and OS Updated
Old software cannot protect against new cyber threats
Enable automatic updates
Be Careful on Social Media
Maintain privacy settings
Avoid unknown or fake friend requests
Share personal info only as necessary
Be Cautious with Public Wi-Fi
Avoid sensitive tasks on public networks
Use a VPN to encrypt data
Keep Backups
Regularly back up important files and data
Use hard drives, cloud, or USB storage to stay safe even from Ransomware
Following strong passwords, 2FA, antivirus, software updates, cautious social media use, careful public Wi-Fi use, and regular backups keeps ordinary people much safer online.
Thoughts on Cyber Security
In today’s digital age, Cyber Security is not just for tech experts—it’s essential for everyone.
Protection is a necessity, not optional
We use the internet daily for banking, communication, work, and shopping. Cyber threats can steal our data or money at any moment. Cyber Security is a “necessary safety measure.”
Awareness is the most effective tool
Small habits like software updates, strong passwords, 2FA, and careful social media use can prevent major cyber attacks.
Technology can advance, but humans remain the weakest link
Hackers often exploit human errors or negligence. Education and awareness are the most important parts of Cyber Security.
Importance will increase in the future
As digitalization and online transactions grow, Cyber Security will become an inseparable part of our lives.
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