National Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Week 1 – FIVE EVERY DAY STEPS TO ONLINE SAFETY

1. Enable stronger authentication. Always enable stronger authentication for an extra layer of security beyond the password that is available on most major email, social media and financial accounts.
2. Make your passwords long & strong. Use complex passwords with a combination of numbers, symbols, and letters.
3. Keep a clean machine. Update the security software, operating system, and web browser on all of your Internet-connected devices.
4. When in doubt, throw it out. Links in email and online posts are often the way cyber criminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, delete it.
5. Share with care. Limit the amount of personal information you share online and use privacy settings to avoid sharing information widely.

Week 2 – FIVE WAYS TO BE CYBER SECURE AT WORK

1. Stop and think before you open attachments or click links in emails. If it looks suspicious, it’s best to delete it.
2. Make electronic and physical back-ups or copies of all your important work.
3. In order to prevent theft and unauthorized access, never leave your laptop or mobile device unattended in a public place and lock your devices when they are not in use.
4. Use passwords that are at least eight characters long and a mix of letters, numbers, and characters. Do not share any of your usernames or passwords with anyone. When available, turn on stronger authentication for an added layer of security, beyond the password.
5. Report anything suspicious. If you experience any unusual problems with your computer or device, report it to your IT Department.

WEEK 3 – BEST PRACTICES FOR USING PUBLIC WI-FI

1. Think before you connect. Before you connect to any public wireless hotspot be sure to confirm the name of the network and login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate.
2. Use your mobile network connection. Your own mobile network connection is generally more secure than using a public wireless network. Use this feature if you have it included in your mobile plan.
3. Avoid conducting sensitive activities through public networks.
4. Keep software up to date.
5. Use strong passwords. Use different passwords for different accounts and devices.

WEEK 4 – HOW TO AVOID PHISHING ATTACKS

Phishing attacks use email or malicious websites to infect your machine with malware and viruses in order to collect personal and financial information. Cybercriminals attempt to lure users to click on a link or open an attachment that infects their computer with viruses or malware, creating vulnerability to attacks. Phishing emails may appear to come from a real financial institution, e-commerce site, government agency, or any other service, business, or individual. The email may also request personal information like account numbers, passwords, or Social Security numbers. When users respond with the information or click on a link, attackers use it to access their accounts.

1. Links in email and online posts are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious it\’s best to delete or, if appropriate, mark it as \”junk email.\” Contact the company directly (via phone) to be sure the email is not legitimate.
2. Be wary of communications that implore you to act immediately, offer something that sounds too good to be true, or ask for personal information.
3. Always opt to enable stronger authentication when available, especially for accounts with sensitive information including your email or bank accounts.
4. Install and update anti-virus software. Make sure all of your computers are equipped with regularly updated antivirus software, firewalls, email filters, and antispyware.
5. Be wary of hyperlinks: Avoid clicking on hyperlinks in emails; type the URL directly into the address bar instead. If you choose to click on a link, ensure it is authentic before clicking on it.

WEEK 5 – TIPS FOR MOBILE SECURITY

1. Use strong passwords. Change any default passwords on your mobile device to ones that would be difficult for someone to guess. Use different passwords for different programs and devices. Do not choose options that allow your device to remember your passwords.
2. Install updates for apps and your device’s operating system as soon as they are available. Keeping the software on your mobile device up to date will prevent attackers from being able to take advantage of known vulnerabilities.
3. Disable remote connectivity. Some mobile devices are equipped with wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth, that can connect to other devices. Disable these features when they are not in use.
4. Be careful what you post and when. Wait to post pictures from trips and events so that people do not know where to find you.
5. In order to prevent theft and unauthorized access, never leave your mobile device unattended in a public place and lock your device when it is not in use.
6. Be sure to review and understand the details of an app before downloading and installing it. Be aware that apps may request access to your location and personal information. Delete any apps that you do not use regularly to increase your security.