It’s Cyber Security Awareness month and it’s each of us as individuals to collectively take precautionary measures to protect our personal information at all costs. Not just personal information, but valuable business information as well. In doing so we’re making the internet a safer place for everyone.
These steps are designed to help everyone learn more about cyber security and be more conscious when being online or using any digital device.
- Protect Yourself & Your Information
Get out of the mindset that an attack can’t happen to you. - Audit Your Passwords
Make sure they contain an assortment of characters and change them regularly. Also, read ‘The Power of a Password’ - Don’t “See Attached” in Emails
Don’t open email attachments you weren’t expecting to receive. - Stay Off the Wi-Fi
Don’t use unsecured or public Wi-Fi networks to conduct personal business. - Cover Your Webcam
Make sure you’re covering your webcam when you’re not specifically using it. - Regularly Update Your Browsers
Make sure you’re using the latest versions of your internet browsers and any related plugins. - Secure Your Networks
Update all devices and refresh your passwords frequently. - Take a Phishing Quiz
Test your ability to spot the differences between real emails and phishing emails. - Trust No One on Social Media
Take a closer look at your social media connections and don’t accept invites from people you don’t know. - Lock Up Your Devices
Lock your phone, computer, and other devices with a secure passcode. - Protect Your Systems
Carefully vet antivirus, firewall, and ad-blocker solutions. - Set Up 2FA
Make sure to link your accounts to your cell phone and/or email address to verify your identity when signing in. - Set Up Fraud Alerts
Check your bank statements often and keep track of your expenditures. - Clean Up Your Apps
Remove any apps on your phone you’re not using and updating frequently. - Control App Access
Get into the habit of not installing any apps unless they come from the official app store. - Disable Auto-Connect
Make sure your Wi-Fi auto-connect function and Bluetooth is off when you’re traveling or in public. - Help Others Stay Secure
Spread your security knowledge and resources with anyone who could use the guidance. - Mind Your Surroundings
Before you use a USB you found or answer a request for a software update, ask questions, do your own independent research, and don’t be afraid to say no. - Update Your Software
Make sure any software you use on your personal computer is updated regularly. - Back-Up Your Data
Back up your data frequently and in multiple locations to protect your critical information. - Check Your Email Accounts
Go through all your email accounts, delete what you aren’t using anymore, and set up stringent security measures for the accounts you want to keep. - Monitor Account Activity
Track the activity logs for your accounts on a regular basis. - Don’t Click Links from Suspicious Sources
Avoid clicking short links from unknown or questionable sources. - Keep Recovery Information Current
Check and update the recovery email addresses, phone numbers, and physical addresses associated with your accounts. - Be Card Smart
Don’t save your credit card information online if you’re not consistently checking for misuse. - Create An Alternate Email Address
Instead of using your primary email address for every online account, create an alternate email address for public-facing accounts and uses. - Stay Aware of Scams
Pause before you share your information with anyone offering you something. - Don’t Give Away Admin Rights
When new software or app is asking for system admin rights, check the access it’s asking for, look in documentation for reasons why, and contact a support team if possible. - Track Location Services
Turn off location services when you’re not using it. - Don’t Stay Connected
Disconnect your phone and computer from the internet when you’re not using them.
