Updates, Backups and Basic Hygiene

Most successful attacks use known flaws that a patch already fixed, or mistakes anyone could have avoided. A short list of habits stops a large share of them:

Update operating systems, apps and devices promptly.
Use a password manager, a unique password per site, and MFA on every important account.
Keep backups following the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, on 2 kinds of storage, 1 kept offline or off site. A backup you have never restored is only a hope: test it.
Remove accounts and software you no longer use.
Give people only the access they need.
Learn the warning signs of phishing, and make it easy to report mistakes without blame.

Examplepython

Open in editor »

Quick check

What does the 3-2-1 backup rule ask for?

3 copies, 2 storage types, 1 offline or off site3 users, 2 passwords, 1 admin3 files, 2 folders, 1 drive

Your turn: write the code

Write rule_321(copies, media_types, offline_copies) returning True only if all three parts are met. Print it for (3, 2, 1) and (3, 1, 1).

Finish the quick check (and any code exercise) to complete this lesson, or mark it done yourself.

Tip: use the left and right arrow keys to move between lessons.