KATHMANDU, July 13: In an effort to combat cyber attacks and crimes, the Ministry of Communications has released a comprehensive 24-point advisory for individuals and organizations. The Cyber Hygiene Advisory 2023, issued on Thursday, aims to raise awareness and promote best practices to mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.
The ministry emphasizes the importance of cautious email practices and urges recipients to refrain from opening emails sent by unknown or unrelated individuals and organizations. Such emails may potentially be phishing attempts or spam, and it is crucial to verify their authenticity before proceeding.
To prevent the unauthorized access and leakage of sensitive information, the ministry advises that any IT equipment sent for repair should have restricted data access. This involves removing storage devices such as hard disks and other memory units before handing them over for servicing.
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Furthermore, the ministry recommends segregating wireless networks from internal networks. Organizations are encouraged to limit application access exclusively to the local area network (LAN) and discourage the use of Wi-Fi, allowing it solely for internet connectivity.
The advisory underscores the importance of employing multi-factor authentication in IT systems, email platforms, and other organizational systems. Users are urged to create strong and secure passwords that are difficult to guess, enhancing overall security.
Regular updates play a crucial role in fortifying cyber defenses. The ministry advises organizations to consistently update antivirus software, databases, application libraries, operating systems, network devices, security devices, servers, and other relevant components.
To promote accountability and security in government agencies, the ministry recommends safeguarding and regularly updating the source code of IT systems, both existing and planned.
The ministry also stresses the use of licensed hardware and software to ensure authenticity and prevent potential vulnerabilities. It notes that many users and organizations in Nepal currently rely on unauthorized crack files to operate various software applications, urging them to switch to legitimate and licensed versions.
Lastly, the ministry advises against using official email addresses for personal purposes, emphasizing the need to maintain a clear separation between personal and professional online activities.
By implementing these advisory measures, individuals and organizations can bolster their cyber security practices and reduce the risk of falling victim to cyber crimes.
