Closing out our 2021 Cyber Security Awareness Month blog postings, we thought recapping the series and listing easy cyber security tips would be helpful.
Table of Contents
Did You Know?
- Human error accounts for 95% of all cyber security breaches
- 77% of organizations do not have a cyber security plan
Easy Cyber Security Tips
- Be aware of risk. Be aware of possible risks such as malware viruses, ransomware, and phishing. It’s also important for everyone in your organization to be aware of the possible risk and threats that could occur should your systems become affected by any of these threats.
- Train your employees. Employees and emails are the foremost cause of data breaches for small businesses because they are a direct path into your system. Train and inform your employees on basic Internet practices. This will go a long way in preventing cyber-attacks.
- Keep antivirus software updated. Make sure all your computers, Internet-connected devices, phones, and tablets are equipped with regularly updated antivirus software, firewalls, email filters, and anti-spyware.
- Secure your networks. Secure your business and home networks by using a firewall. On the personal side, be sure to change the default administrator password and update the firewall software on a periodic basis.
- Use strong passwords. Creating strong passwords is an easy way to improve your cyber security. Use different passwords for different accounts. For businesses, make it a requirement that strong passwords include one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, at least one number and 10 or more characters. Get creative and customize your standard password for different sites, which can prevent cyber criminals from gaining access to these accounts and protect you in the event of a breach. Use password managers to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts.
- Backup your data. Routinely back up data on all computers. After backing up your systems, make sure the device that the backup is stored on is offline. Backup data could include word processing documents databases, electronic spreadsheets, financial files, human resources files, and accounts receivable/payable files.
- Control physical access. Control access to backup data as well as business computers to prevent access by unauthorized individuals. Make sure to use separate user accounts for each employee and require strong passwords. Administrative privileges should only be given to trusted IT staff.
- Play hard to get with strangers. Links in emails and online posts are often the way cyber criminals compromise your computer. If you’re unsure who an email is from—even if the details appear accurate—do not respond, and do not click on any links or attachments found in that email. Be cautious of generic greetings such as “Hello Bank Customer,” as these are often signs of phishing attempts. If you are concerned about the legitimacy of an email, call the company directly using the phone number found on their website.
- Think before you act. Be wary of communications that implore you to act immediately. Many phishing emails attempt to create a sense of urgency, causing the recipient to fear their account or information is in jeopardy. If you receive a suspicious email that appears to be from someone you know, reach out to that person directly on a separate secure platform. If the email comes from an organization but still looks “phishy,” verify the communication by reaching out to them via the customer service information listed on their website, not the contact information found in the phishy email.
- Protect your personal information. If people contacting you have key details from your life—your job title, multiple email addresses, full name, and more that you may have published online somewhere—they can attempt a direct spear-phishing attack on you. Cyber criminals can also use social engineering with these details to try to manipulate you into skipping normal security protocols.
- Be wary of hyperlinks. Avoid clicking on hyperlinks in emails, and hover over links to verify authenticity. Also ensure that URLs begin with “https.” The “s” indicates encryption is enabled to protect users’ information.
- Double your login protection. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure that the only person who has access to your account is you. Use it for email, banking, social media, and any other service that requires logging in. If MFA is an option, enable it by using a trusted mobile device, such as your smartphone, an authenticator app, or a secure token—a small physical device that can hook onto your key ring.
- Install and update anti-virus software. Make sure all your computers, Internet-connected devices, phones, and tablets are equipped with regularly updated anti-virus software, firewalls, email filters, and anti-spyware.
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 – Approaching Cybersecurity Tip Sheet
Majority of Organizations Lack a Cybersecurity Incident Response Plan. (n.d.)
