Cyber Safety Tips

Part Three of our National Safety Month Series: Cyber Safety Tips

Cyber attacks are pervasive, affecting us both at the office and at home. Many people receive multiple spam calls, texts, and emails daily. To help protect you, we’ve compiled some essential cyber safety tips for both home and work life.

Home Cyber Safety Tips

1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security to your accounts by enabling 2FA, which requires a second form of verification.
3. Keep Software Updated: Regularly update your operating system, software, and apps to protect against security vulnerabilities.
4. Install Antivirus and Anti-Malware Software: Use reputable security software to detect and prevent malware and other threats.
5. Secure Your Wi-Fi Network: Use a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and enable WPA3 encryption if available. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities.
6. Be Cautious with Emails and Links: Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments from unknown or suspicious sources. Be aware of phishing scams.
7. Use a Firewall: Enable the firewall on your router and computer to block unauthorized access.
8. Back Up Your Data: Regularly back up important files to an external drive or cloud storage to prevent data loss.
9. Educate Family Members: Teach everyone in your household about safe online practices and the importance of cyber safety.
10. Limit Personal Information Sharing: Be cautious about sharing personal information on social media and other online platforms.

Work Cyber Safety Tips

1. Follow Company Policies: Adhere to your organization’s cybersecurity policies and guidelines.
2. Use Company-Provided Tools: Utilize company-approved software and tools for work-related tasks to ensure security.
3. Secure Your Devices: Lock your computer and mobile devices when not in use, and use encryption for sensitive data.
4. Be Wary of Phishing Attacks: Be vigilant about phishing attempts in work emails and report suspicious messages to your IT department.
5. Use a VPN: When working remotely, use a virtual private network (VPN) to secure your internet connection.
6. Conduct Regular Training: Participate in cybersecurity training and stay informed about the latest threats and best practices.
7. Monitor Account Activity: Regularly check your work accounts for unauthorized access or unusual activity.
8. Report Security Incidents: Immediately report any security breaches or incidents to your IT department.
9. Use Secure Communication Channels: Use encrypted communication tools for sharing sensitive information.
10. Limit Access to Sensitive Data: Only access or share sensitive data when necessary and ensure it is properly protected.

By following these cyber safety tips, you can help protect yourself and your organization from various online threats and vulnerabilities.