Which of the following is a cyber hygiene practice?

• A. Sharing passwords with colleagues to save time.
• B. Use strong passwords and keep software up to date.
• C. Leaving devices unlocked in public.
• D. Skipping software updates to avoid bugs.

Answer: (B)

Cyber hygiene is about routine, practical steps that reduce the risk to devices and data. Using strong, unique passwords and keeping software up to date are core protective measures because they directly limit how attackers can gain access and exploit vulnerabilities. A strong password makes it harder for someone to guess or brute-force an account, especially if you use a long passphrase and avoid reusing passwords across sites. Keeping software up to date patches known security flaws, closing the gaps that criminals often target, and helps prevent infections from malware or unauthorized access.

These steps are concrete, actionable, and widely recommended as foundational security habits. In contrast, sharing passwords with colleagues undermines accountability and security, leaving accounts open to misuse; leaving devices unlocked in public makes it easy for anyone nearby to access data; and skipping updates ignores fixes for vulnerabilities, increasing risk of malware or cyberattacks. So the combination of strong passwords and timely updates neatly embodies steady, practical cyber hygiene.