Cybersecurity Tips for a Safer Digital World

Cybersecurity tips

October is National Cybersecurity Month, and while good cyber hygiene should be practiced year-round, we’d like to share a few cybersecurity tips to help you bolster your online safety:

1Learn how to spot and report phishing attempts. Phishing occurs when criminals use phony emails, direct messages, or other digital communications that lure you into clicking a bad link or downloading a malicious attachment. It could be a phishing attempt if you receive a suspicious email or message that includes urgent language, offers that seem too good to be true, generic greetings, poor grammar, or an unusual sender address. If you spot one, report it as soon as possible—and don’t forget to block the sender. (If you receive a suspicious work email, report it to the appropriate IT contact. Suspicious messages delivered to your personal email or social media accounts can also be reported.)

2Create strong, unique passwords. When it comes to passwords, remember that length trumps complexity. Strong passwords contain at least 12 characters and include a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Create unique passwords for each online account you manage, and use phrases you can easily remember.

3Enable multi-factor authentication when available. Multi-factor authentication (also known as 2-factor authentication) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. These extra security steps can include facial recognition, fingerprint access, or one-time codes sent to your email or phone.

4Update software regularly. Software and internet-connected devices, including personal computers, smartphones, and tablets, should always be current on updates to reduce the risk of infection from ransomware and malware. Configure devices to update or automatically notify you when an update is available.