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October 8, 2020

Dean Flores

Principal, Risk Advisory Services Leader

Atlanta, GA

678-510-2820

[email protected]

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Cybersecurity Begins with Everyday Habits

Strong Data Privacy Begins with Individual Users

Two organizations, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cyber Security Alliance, teamed up to ensure Americans have the resources they need to stay safe and secure online. During October 2020, Cybersecurity Awareness Month, “Do your Part. #BeCyberSmart.,” encourages individuals and organizations to take proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity and protect their part of cyberspace.

So, how can you join the movement and help protect your small part of cyberspace? It starts with each of us developing essential cyber hygiene habits. Much like developing healthy habits for our health and well-being, we need to develop cyber hygiene habits that protect our privacy and data. Every day millions of parents help their kids develop good personal hygiene habits like brushing their teeth and choosing fruits and vegetables to eat.

By learning to practice daily habits, children learn to take care of themselves.  Cybersecurity works the same way. By doing a few simple things each day, we can protect the privacy of data, information, and devices.

Here are a few simple dos and don’t’s to adopt that will improve cyber hygiene.

Start with password safety

  • Create strong passwords (longer the better)
  • Use a Password Manager (stop reusing passwords for numerous accounts)
  • Use Multi-Factor Authentication with all email, cloud and web accounts

Watch out for stranger danger

  • Don’t click on links that are sent to you via unsolicited emails
  • Don’t download or open unexpected files
  • When traveling, don’t use airport/plane/hotel Wi-Fi networks unless necessary (and use a VPN if you do!)
  • Use up-to-date antivirus softwares, and regularly update them when prompted (it is free)
  • Make sure all devices are fully updated (operating system/software/apps are always updated)
  • Don’t post personal information online. This includes even on your social media profiles, such as a favorite car, place of birth, favorite color (They sound like security questions for resetting your password).

Share these tips with your friends and colleagues to help each other develop essential cyber hygiene habits to #BeCyberSmart!

If you’re interested in ongoing cybersecurity awareness training for your organization, contact us.