Every time you use the Internet, you face choices related to your security. Friends can be selected, links clicked, websites accessed, and wireless networks can be joined. Your security and the security of the Nation depends on making secure online decisions. Making the Internet more safe and secure requires all of us to take responsibility for our own cyber security posture. Cyber security starts with you.
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Cyber security: What Is It?
Cyber security is the art and science of protecting networks, devices, and data from unauthorized access or criminal use and the practice of ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Cyber security is making sure that your online presence, your smart devices, and your information in cyber space stays safe and out of the hands of the wrong people.
Potential Threats
- Phishing. Phishing attacks use emails and malicious websites that appear to be trusted organizations, such as charity organizations or online stores, to obtain user personal information.
- Malware. A computer can be damaged or the information it contains harmed by malicious code (also known as malware). A malicious program can be a virus, a worm, or a Trojan horse. Hackers, intruders, and attackers, all aim to make money off these software flaws. Despite their benign intentions and curiosity, their actions are usually contrary to the intended uses of the systems they exploit.
- Identity Theft and Scams. Identity theft and scams are crimes of opportunity, and even those who never use computers can be victims. There are several ways criminals can access your information, including stealing your wallet, overhearing your phone call, dumpster diving (looking in your trash) or picking up a receipt that contains your account number.
Simple Tips
- Use and maintain anti-virus software and a firewall. Use an anti-virus program and a firewall to protect your computer from viruses and Trojan horses that could steal or modify your data. When software notifies you of an update, called a patch, be sure to update as soon as possible to prevent hackers from exploiting known issues or vulnerabilities. Also, set-up an automatic, regular spyware scanning routine to identify vulnerabilities.
- Establish computer usage guidelines. Help children understand how to use the computer, other connected devices, and the internet safely. Have candid, age-appropriate conversations with younger users to help them understand the do’s and don’ts of cybersecurity. These conversations can protect your data by setting clear boundaries and guidelines.
- Double check email attachments. An email that looks as if it came from someone you know doesn’t necessarily mean it did. It is possible for viruses to alter the return address so that it looks like the message came from someone other than the sender. Before opening any attachments, verify that the message is legitimate by contacting the person who sent it. Use caution even with people you know. Be wary of unsolicited attachments.
Contact the Solution Builders Cyber Security Team
Every October, Cybersecurity Awareness Month continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity across our Nation. Led by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCSA), Cybersecurity Awareness Month shares messages and weekly themes of the importance of staying safe online. The evergreen theme – Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart – encourages individuals and organizations to own their role in protecting their part of cyberspace, stressing personal accountability, and the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity.
Cyber Security is important to Solution Builders, and we are committed to helping our clients become more resilient. Let us know how we can help your organization.
Resources
Cyber Security Awareness Month 2021 – Cyber Security Starts With You Tip Sheet
