Cyberattacks have increased in Poland the last year – here is how to increase your personal safety online

New statistics show an increase in cyber attacks in Poland in the last couple of years, which suggests that many are unsafe online, and do not act carefully in order to stay as safe as possible. Several measures can be made to keep your technology and personal information safe online – here, we give you some of them. 

Cybersecurity in Poland

Cyber attacks on private people, companies, and public institutions have significantly increased in the last couple of years. Part of the reason for these attacks is partially caused by an increased online presence for both private individuals and companies, as the COVID-19 pandemic forced many to turn to digital solutions for communication, school, and work. 

Although the world has more or less gone back to normal, the Polish deputy minister has confirmed that there is no turning back from digitalization, which is why it is so important to secure both private and state systems.

Furthermore, research shows that every third Pole uses one password to log into several accounts, making their personal information more easily accessible to hackers. As a result of this, many experience getting sensitive information stolen and having their accounts blocked. A way to prevent this is to use strong passwords or a password manager to make sure you secure your accounts in the best way, while you still have easy access to them at any time. 

5 Steps to increased cyber security

Here are a few steps you can take to increase your cybersecurity:

1. Use strong and unique passwords for each of your accounts. Avoid using ‘easy to guess’ passwords, such as your name or a pet name. You can protect your technology by generating new passwords online, which will create completely random passwords that cannot be connected with you, thereby enhancing the security of your personal information.  
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to enter a code from your phone or email in addition to your password when logging in.
3. Keep your software and operating system up to date. Software updates often include security fixes, so it’s important to install them right away.
4. Avoid clicking on links from unknown sources as cybercriminals often use links to spread malware and infect computers. 
5. Be wary of public WiFi networks. Public WiFi networks are often not secured, and cybercriminals can use them to access your personal information. Avoid accessing sensitive information, such as online banking or credit card accounts, while using public WiFi.

Overall, increasing your cybersecurity requires staying cautious and taking steps to protect your personal and financial information. By following the tips above, you can help protect yourself against cyber attacks. Remember that it is best to act sooner rather than later, as it can be complicated, if not impossible to recover from a cyber attack. So, make sure to know how you best can protect yourself online, to stop the growing cyber attacks in Poland.