In the digital age, situational awareness extends beyond the physical realm into the cyber world. Cyber hygiene plays a critical role in maintaining this awareness, safeguarding individuals and organizations from digital threats.

Good cyber hygiene involves a series of practices and habits that help in keeping digital information secure. One of the foundational steps is the creation and management of strong passwords. Passwords act as the first line of defense against unauthorized access, and therefore, using complex, unique passwords for different accounts is essential.

Regular software updates are another pillar of cyber hygiene. Software developers often release updates to patch security vulnerabilities. Delaying these updates leaves systems susceptible to attacks exploiting these vulnerabilities.

Phishing attacks, where attackers masquerade as a trustworthy entity to obtain sensitive information, are increasingly sophisticated. Awareness and education about such attacks are crucial. This includes being cautious about the emails we open, the links we click, and the information we share online.

In addition, backing up data regularly ensures that in the event of a cyberattack, the loss is minimal. Using antivirus software and firewalls also adds an extra layer of security.

In essence, cyber hygiene is about making security a daily routine. Just as we lock our doors at night or wash our hands before eating, cyber hygiene practices must be ingrained in our daily digital lives to maintain situational awareness and protect against cyber threats.