I remember when I first started working online, I only knew that my passwords should be strong. But after my email got hacked, I realized that cyber security is not just an option, it is a necessity.
If you are a beginner and wondering how to stay secure in the cyber world, then this guide is specially for you.
🧠 What is
Cyber Security?
Cyber security means securing your personal information, devices, and online identity against hackers, malware, and online threats.
Think what would happen if your email, bank account or social media were taken over by someone else?
That is why in today's digital age every user must learn cyber hygiene.
🔎 1. Strong
Passwords - Your First Stup
I think the most basic and ignored thing is the password.
Never use 123456, Pakistan, or qwerty.
Keep a different password for each platform.
A strong password is: Ali@2025#secure
You can create secure and memorable passwords by using a password manager (Last Pass, Bitwarden).
🧪 2.
Two-Factor Authentication – Apply Double Lock
You will notice that every secure platform (Gmail, Facebook, Instagram) gives the option of 2FA these days.
Whenever you login, it asks for an extra OTP or app code.
Enabling this feature makes your account 2x secure.
Imagine if someone even guesses your password, he cannot do anything without OTP.
🦠 3. How to
protect yourself from Virus and Malware?
I myself had downloaded cracked software once – and the whole laptop got corrupted. Then I understood that there is a danger of malware!
Basic Tips:
Download software only from trusted websites
Make sure to install Antivirus (Windows Defender, Avast, Kaspersky)
Scan USB or external drives
before opening
🌐 4. Public
Wi-Fi – Open Danger Zone
It's tempting to use free
Wi-Fi at cafes or public spaces. However, you will see that this poses the most
risk.
Do not do banking, login or shopping on public Wi-Fi
Use VPN (ProtonVPN, NordVPN) to be secure
Now I never use open Wi-Fi without VPN.
📧 5.
Phishing Emails – Avoid Fake Emails
Nowadays hackers send fake links looking like normal emails:
“Your bank needs verification”
“Click here to win iPhone 15!”
As soon as you click on these, your data goes to them.
Tips:
Look carefully at the email sender address
Never click on unknown links
Grammar mistakes also get red flagged
🛑 6. How to identify fake websites?
Imagine if you enter card details on a shopping website and it turns out to be fake…
Checklist:
The URL should start with https://
Check the domain spelling (like amaz0n.com = fake)
The web address bar must have a lock icon (🔒).
You are able to utilize
"Google Safe Browsing" to check the website.
👁️ 7. Social Media Privacy Settings – Secure your profile
I personally review the privacy settings of Facebook and Instagram every month.
Profile should be visible only to friends
Hide location, DOB, contact info
Tighten the tagging settings
Too much exposure makes you an easy target.
🔄 8.
Software & App Updates – Don’t ignore them
You will notice that every few days an update popup comes up – people ignore it.
- But these updates:
- Fix security loopholes
- Remove bugs
- Make the app more stable
I think the auto-update setting should be on in everyone.
📱 9. Mobile
Security Tips – Phone can also be hacked
Smartphones are our mini-computers, so their security is also important:
- Put a PIN or biometric on the lock screen
- Give permissions to apps only as per need
- Keep the “Find My Device” option enabled
🧩 10. Cyber
Security Tools that every beginner can use
Some beginner-friendly tools for you:
- Tool Name Use Case
- LastPass to secure passwords
- ProtonVPN Secure internet browsing
- Malwarebytes Malware detect & remove
- Safe Grammar for grammatically writing emails
- Google Authenticator to enable 2FA
🔗 External
Resource (Mark for Link):
You can learn these tools and practices on Microsoft and Cybersecurity You can also visit the official sites of the Central & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA).
🔁 Internal
Link Suggestion:
If you want to learn Excel, then definitely check out this complete Excel guide as well – it is helpful for data security and smart usage.
🧾 Final
Thoughts – Cyber Security is the responsibility of every user
I think cyber security is not just the job of IT experts. Every normal user should know the tools for his data, device and privacy. Starting from the basics, you can go till advanced.
Take a simple step today:
make your password strong, turn on 2FA, and avoid phishing. Your digital future
can be safe – just a little awareness and practice is needed.
💬 FAQs – Basics of Cyber Security for Beginners
Q1: Is cyber security only for IT people?
No, every internet user should know cyber security basics.
Q2: What should be the first step?
The best place to start is with a strong password and 2FA enabled.
Q3: Can a phone also get hacked?
Yes, unsecured apps, public Wi-Fi and weak PIN can hack a phone.
Q4: What is the use of VPN?
VPN makes your browsing secure and anonymous.
Q5: Are cyber security tools free?
Many tools like Last Pass, Proton VPN (free version) or Malwarebytes are available for free.
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