Week 4 of Cybersecurity Awareness Month
In our complex, ever-evolving digital world, it's become more important than ever to place cybersecurity first. Of course, a trusted cybersecurity consulting partner like Locknet® Managed IT can help at the office—but focusing on cybersecurity in your personal spaces is also essential. This cybersecurity awareness month, the experts at Locknet Managed IT want you to think cybersecurity first, and in this, our last weekly installment focused on cybersecurity for Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we offer concrete tips to help you make security in the digital space a priority.
Making cybersecurity a priority: Here's how
This Cybersecurity Awareness Month, we've shared many aspects of safety and security with you for the well-being of your professional and personal life. Now here are some specific next steps you can take to ensure you operate safely in the digital space. The truth is, actions we take today can affect the future of personal, consumer, and business cybersecurity. And cybersecurity is something we should think about first, every time we purchase or connect a new device, whenever we log on to the digital space no matter where we are in the world.
Here are our tips for ways you can put cybersecurity first year-round.
- Embrace multi-factor authentication. MFA should be leveraged for every device you own or use, and every account you have, including email, social media, financial services, and more. This makes sure you are the only person who can access your accounts. It essentially doubles your protection.
- Go long with passwords. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recommends using the longest password that is allowed by each program. In addition, you should change passwords for each site or account you use—so if your data is breached, cybercriminals have limited access to your digital assets. Developing complex passwords is also important, and password management technology can provide invaluable support.
- Protect all networked devices. Cybercriminals are savvier than ever, and the best way to protect yourself against malware, viruses, and other devastating issues is to make sure every device is up to date on the latest security software, operating system, and browser. Signing up for automatic updates will simplify the process.
- Get smart about phishing. Cybercriminals are adept at tricking people into giving up their information, and the consequences can be dire. If you're ever in doubt about who is emailing you or if anything seems off, avoid clicking on links and instead report the email to your tech team.
- Protect your information. Take care in what you post on your social media accounts, as even seemingly innocuous information like where you eat lunch or travel to can be valuable fodder for cybercriminals that allows them to target you and your belongings, even those you love. It goes without saying that you should also take great care in protecting valuable personal information like your birthday, social security number, account numbers, and more. And go the extra mile by disabling location services that reveal where you are to others.
- Be mindful of mobile apps. There can be many apps running in the background of your device that can gather information without you even knowing you're targeted. The stakes are high: this can put you at risk for identity theft and other problems. Limit app permissions and delete apps you no longer use. And of course, only use apps from trusted sources.
- Be wary of public wireless. Make sure you confirm the network name and login protocols with staff—illegitimate networks can gain access to your information. Your personal hotspot is always safer than public Wi-Fi.
A trusted cybersecurity consulting partner can help
At the office, having a trusted cybersecurity consulting partner can ensure you and your team stay up to date on cybersecurity training so you have a full understanding of modern threats in the digital space. More, a cybersecurity consulting partner can protect your network, your data, your reputation, and your customers, every day on every device and long after Cybersecurity Awareness Month has passed. With the increasing threats to your personal and professional life in the digital space, thinking cybersecurity first is essential.
Ready to learn more? Contact Locknet® Managed IT to learn how we can help make Your Business. Secure.
