Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. The 2020 theme is “Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.” The theme empowers individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, with a particular emphasis on the key message for 2020: “If you connect it, protect it.” These cybersecurity tips will help you be safer in cyberspace.If You Connect It, Protect It.
If you connect it, protect it. Outsmart cyberthreats by regularly updating your software. Any device that connects to the internet is vulnerable to risks. The best defense is to keep device security software, web browser and operating systems up to date. #BeCyberSmart by turning on auto-updates.
Get Savvy about WIFI Hotspots
#BeCyberSmart Tip: Public Wi-Fi networks are not secure – limit what you do on public WiFi, and avoid logging in to key accounts like email and financial services. If you must connect, consider using a virtual private network (VPN) or a personal/mobile hotspot.
Lock Down Your Login
P@s$w0rds_d0n’t_hav3_2_b_th!s_Complic@teD! Seriously, who can remember that?! Make your password a passphrase. Remember: length trumps complexity when creating a strong passphrase! Also, mix it up and keep them unique for each account!
Multi-Factor Authentication
Step up your passphrase game with multi-factor authentication and keep all your private bits…private. Do your part. #BeCyberSmart
Think Before You Click
Cybercriminals cast wide nets with #phishing tactics, hoping to drag in victims. They may offer a financial reward, threaten you if you don’t engage, or claim that someone is in need of help. Stop, take a moment, and think before you click. #BeCyberSmart
Play Hard to Get with Strangers
Play Hard to Get with Strangers: If you’re unsure who an email is from—even if the details appear accurate—do not respond, and do not click on any links or attachments. #BeCyberSmart
Banks Never Ask That
Share with Care
Cybercriminals love it when you overshare on social media – they can learn all about you! #BeCyberSmart and make it harder for them by avoiding posting real names, places you frequent, and home, school and work locations.
Keep Tabs On Your Apps
Do all of your apps need to track your location? Um, no. Take a moment now to configure the privacy and security settings of your apps and, while you’re at it, help someone in your community configure theirs. Do your part. #BeCyberSmart
Rules for Keeping Tabs on Your Apps
Rules for keeping tabs on your apps: 1) Delete apps you don’t need or no longer use. 2) Review app permissions. Limit how much data you share with the app. 3) Only download apps from trusted sources.
When in Doubt, Throw It Out
Unsure who sent that email? Just delete it. Tip: If an email looks phishy, it probably is. When in doubt, throw it out.
Own Your Online Presence
Do you know how many of your apps access to your contacts, photos and location data? Time to find out! Configure your #privacy and #security settings to limit how much #data you give away. Do your part. #BeCyberSmart
Cybersecurity Is Everyone’s Job
