Ten preventive golden rules

Reducing the risks inherent in the use of digital technologies is first and foremost a question of adopting good practice.

Publié le 25 Janvier 2024 Mis à jour le 25 Janvier 2024

By applying these 10 basic rules, you can protect yourself against cyber-attacks oftenly damaging your image or the one of your institution.

  1. Keep your personal and professional uses strictly separate. Your personal means of communication must not be used for your professional needs (e-mail, file exchange accounts, USB keys, etc.) and vice versa.
  2. Update your digital tools regularly. Updates are not automatic, so make sure to accept them for your personal and professional tools to guarantee their security.
  3. Protect your access with dual-factor authentification when possible, or at least with complex passwords. Your passwords should be long, complex, free of personal information, unique and secret.
  4. Make sure to keep an eye on your devices when you're away. Otherwise, they could be manipulated, compromised without your knowledge and your data could be stolen.
  5. Protect your workspace and your data. Lock your computer when you're away from your desk and keep all sensitive material (storage device) in a safe place.
  6. Be aware of your digital identity by taking care of your personal data online (Internet and social networks).
  7. Protect your professional messaging service. Be aware of their content before opening attachments and don't click on links in messages that seem dubious.
  8. Don’t connect your devices to public networks. (For example: public Wi-Fi networks, USB charging points, etc.
  9. Be aware of what you say when talking on the phone or by videoconference. The confidentiality of conversations is not guaranteed on public networks.
  10. Keep your smartphone safe. Avoid taking your smartphone to attend sensitive meetings. It could be used to record your conversations, even without your knowledge.