How to Stay Safe Online
What is Cybersecurity?
- Defined as “the protection of computer systems and networks from attacks by malicious actors that may result in unauthorized information disclosure, theft of, or damage to hardware, software, or data…“
- Wherever there is technology, there needs to be cybersecurity
Why is it Important?
- Implementing cybersecurity best practices is important for individuals as well as organizations of all sizes to protect personal, financial and sensitive information.
- For both government and private entities, developing and implementing tailored cybersecurity plans and processes is key to protecting and maintaining business operations.
4 Easy Ways to Stay Safe Online
Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Use Strong Passwords and a Password Manager
Turn on Multifactor Authentication
Recognize and Report Phishing Attacks
Update Your Software
CREATE STRONG PASSWORDS:
- Long
- At least 16 characters
- Unique
- NEVER reuse passwords
- Random
- Upper- and lower-case letters
- Numbers
- Special characters
- Spaces
- Consider pass-phrases
WHY USE A PASSWORD MANAGER?
Stores your passwords
- Alerts you of duplicate passwords
- Generates strong new passwords
- Some automatically fill your login
- credentials into website to make sign-in
- easy
- It won’t fall for a phishing website, even if
- you do!
Encryption ensures that password managers
never “know” what your passwords are, keeping
them safe from cyber attacks.
WHAT IS IT?
- A code sent to your phone or email
- An authenticator app
- A security key
- Biometrics
- Fingerprint
- Facial recognition
WHERE SHOULD YOU USE IT?
- Accounts with financial information
- Ex: Online store
- Accounts with personal information
- Ex: Social media
PHISHING RED FLAGS:
- A tone that’s urgent or makes you scared
- Ex: “Click this link immediately or your account will be closed”
- Sender email address doesn’t match the company it’s coming from
- Ex: Amazon.com vs. Amaz0n.com
- Unexpected communications such as an email you weren’t expecting
- Requests to send personal info
- Legitimate organizations don’t ask for personal information through email or an unexpected call.
- Misspelled words, bad grammar and odd URLs can still be a sign of phishing.
- Be aware that AI will make spotting these more challenging. Be diligent.
Recognize and Report Phishing
Do Not
- Don't click any links you don’t trust. Delete the email/text.
- Don't click any attachments you were not expecting or recognize.
- Don't send personal info online or share over the phone.
Do
- Verify that the communication is real and contact sender directly through known phone numbers or emails.
- Report it to your IT department or email/phone provider.
- Use email filters
- Many email services have filters that can help prevent many phishing messages from ever reaching your employees’ mailboxes.
- DELETE IT
WHY?
Update Your Software
Updates ensure your devices and apps are protected from the latest threats
Don't click "remind me later", it could leave you vulnerable to cyber threats
Automatic updates are the easiest way to stay secure
Update Your Software
WHERE TO FIND AVAILABLE UPDATES
- Check for notifications to your phone or computer
- Look in your phone, browser or app settings
- Check the upper corner of your browser for any alerts
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