Cybersecurity: Staying Safe Online
| Posted in News, Security & Fraud
Technology is becoming more advanced in the world around us, but that means, so are hackers. Although technology and software manufacturers do everything they can to keep you protected, there are several steps you can take to mitigate the risks and stay safe online. In honor of Cybersecurity Awareness month, NEBAT has put together a list of cybersecurity tips. No single step is foolproof but used together will give you a better chance of staying safe online. These tips will help keep your personal assets safe, as well as your employer, especially if you’re a remote employee.
Cybersecurity Tips
Account and Password Management
- Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Whenever possible, use a form of multi-factor authentication to secure your accounts. This can be in the form of a text or email with a code to verify your login. Using MFA makes it difficult for password cracking tools to allow break-ins.
- Complex Passwords: Long, complex and unique passwords are always recommended. Be sure to have at least one lower case letter, upper case letter, number and special character in your passwords.
- Check Privacy Settings: Understand the privacy settings on your accounts and update accordingly based on your preferences. Many times, companies will update these options to help keep you safe, so check back frequently.
Technology and Software
- Keep software updated: We know software updates can interrupt your day, but updated software also offers increased security. Outdated software is another common place where cyber-attacks happen. You can set many phones and computers to auto-update at times that are convenient for you.
- Be cautious with any downloads: Before downloading anything to your computer or phone, do your research to ensure its authenticity.
- Review Access Preferences: Know who has access to your files. Verify that documents are shared with the right people and virtual meetings include passwords.
Phishing Attacks
Staying safe online includes being aware of potential phishing attacks. Phishing comes in many forms and is sometimes difficult to spot since the phishes often look reputable and appealing. Examples of common phishing attacks include:
- A convincing email or text message that looks to be from someone you know.
- A phone call or email from someone acting as a representative from a large/recognizable company.
- A form of advertisement enticing you to click a malicious link.
Signs of a Phishing Attack:
- Unusual formatting of an email or text including poor grammar or misspellings.
- Email subject lines that create a strong sense of urgency.
- Avoid clicking suspicious links – look for link previews (hovering over the link text or button) that do not match text.
- Calls from an unknown phone number.
Defense Against Phishing Attacks:
- Verify the Source: If the email or phone call seems to be posing as someone you know, reach out to the individual directly for verification. If something “doesn’t feel quite right,” trust your gut.
- Know forms of communication: Understand that banks and government agencies do not unexpectedly request personal information over the phone or email.
- Do not provide personal, confidential information in a communication that you did not initiate.
- Utilizing these cybersecurity tips will help weather the fear and hassle of a cyber-attack. NEBAT is here to help protect individuals and businesses alike stay safe online. If you’re faced with a Cybersecurity challenge that compromises your accounts, please notify your bank immediately!
Utilizing these cybersecurity tips will help weather the fear and hassle of a cyber-attack. NEBAT is here to help protect individuals and businesses alike stay safe online. If you’re faced with a Cybersecurity challenge that compromises your accounts, please notify your bank immediately!
