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Cybersecurity Month: Simple Steps to Online Safety

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Each week, we’ll provide resources and tips to help you increase your cybersecurity awareness and reduce the risk for yourself and your organization.

SIMPLE STEPS TO ONLINE SAFETY

The Department of Homeland Security is focusing on Simple Steps to Online Safety this week. The following steps can help protect against the ever-present threats of malware, breaches, phishing scams, and the myriad of other cyber threats in our world today.

Protect passwords and logins
Passwords are a significant vulnerability for many individuals and organizations, but this vulnerability can be managed.

Patch systems
Preventable breaches like WannaCry highlight the importance of patching systems in a timely manner.

Manage mobile
Cybersecurity experts agree that the explosion in use of mobile devices will lead to security challenges in the future.

  • Do not save sensitive information locally
  • Use device encryption if possible
  • Set an inactivity lockout (PIN or biometric to unlock)
  • Learn how to address current cybersecurity risks, including those posed by mobile devices

Control Internet access
Malware can be downloaded from websites via fake advertisements, malicious links, or browser plug-ins.

  • Use content filtering to block website categories that are not necessary for business purposes
  • Educate employees on the risks of malware, why they should be wary of clicking links in banners and blogs, and why they should pay attention to their cyber surroundings

Prepare, document, and train
It is important for all employees to help keep your organization safe from cyber threats.

  • Implement written policies for password requirements, secure use of email and Internet, mobile device acceptable use, document storage and removal, etc.
  • Plan your response to cyber incidents – see the “Plan Your Response” section of this article for items to include
  • Provide ongoing employee training on relevant threats and internal policies and security procedures

 


DID YOU KNOW?
According to the Cisco® Global Mobile Data Traffic Forecast Update, 429 million mobile devices and connections were added in 2016. By 2021 there will be 1.5 mobile devices per capita!

 

Access additional cybersecurity articles and blog posts here. Traina & Associates is an authorized trade name of Capin Technology LLC, a subsidiary of Capin Crouse LLP.

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