October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
In today’s digital world, cyberattacks are nothing new. Cybercriminals can attack on a multitude of levels, from targeting large-scale corporations to smaller phishing attacks aimed at gaining an individual’s personal information. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month and there are several practical steps we can take to safeguard our devices and data. Here are 4 easy ways to boost your cyber security: 67503
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication
Also known as 2-step verification, multi-factor authentication adds a second step to prove it’s really you when logging into an account. This second step could include an extra PIN, answering an extra security question, a code received, or a secure token.
Use Strong Passwords & a Password Manager
Remember, passwords are the “keys” to your personal home online. Your passwords should always be long, unique, and complex. Create passwords using at least 12 characters, never reuse passwords for multiple accounts, and use a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. If you have a lot of accounts, consider using a password manager to store them easily and securely in 1 place.
Update Software
It may seem obvious, but regularly updating software is 1 of the easiest ways to keep your personal information secure. Most companies provide automatic updates and will send reminders so you can easily install the update. If you’re not receiving automatic software updates, set a reminder to do so quarterly. Be aware that some cybercriminals will send fake updates; these typically appear as a pop-up window when visiting a website. Use good judgment and always think before you click. 27007
Recognize & Report Phishing Attacks
Don’t take the bait when cyber criminals go phishing. The signs of a phishing attack can be subtle, so take the extra time to thoroughly inspect emails and texts. Most phishing attempts include offers that are too good to be true, an urgent or alarming tone, misspellings and poorly crafted language, ambiguous greetings, strange requests, or an email address that doesn’t match the company it’s coming from.
Visit the Stay Safe Online website for additional cybersecurity tips.