Cybersecurity is the art of protecting networks, devices, and data from unlawful access or criminal use and the practice of guaranteeing confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Here are 10 tips that can help Stags stay secure.
1. Keep Your Devices and Programs Updated
Keeping your device up to date is one of the best ways to stay secure. Out-of-date Operating Systems and Applications can have exploitable vulnerabilities that bad actors can utilize to steal your credentials or hold your computer and data hostage. Keeping up to date takes that tool away from them and keeps you safe.
2. Back Up Your Files
Just in case the worst happens, a hard drive goes bad, something is accidentally deleted, or your computer gets maliciously encrypted, having a good backup can save the day.
3. Be Wary of Suspicious Emails
We receive so many emails that we’ve conditioned ourselves to skim messages and make quick decisions. But when we do this, we take unnecessary risks. That’s because there can be clues both on the surface and just below the surface of the message that can alert us to things that aren’t right. Pay attention to "From" addresses and where links are sending you, make sure it's what you expect. Misspellings and poor grammar can be indicators that the email did not originate from a trusted source.
4. Use Caution with USBs
USBs can be useful devices to store and transfer documents, but they can also be dangerous if you're not careful. A malicious actor can hide malware on a USB drive to try and infect your computer to steal your credentials or data. Never plug an unknown USB drive into your computer or try to open files from it.
5. Create Strong Passwords
Passwords are what keep your account and data safe. Use a unique, strong password for each important site. Banking, e-commerce, and other money-related information especially (e.g., credit card or checking accounts), confidential personal information (e.g., federal tax filings, medical or insurance accounts) and private communications (e.g. work or personal emails, social networking).
6. Install and Keep Antivirus
It is important to install and keep antivirus up to date on all your devices. Antivirus can help prevent and detect malicious software that may provide unwanted access to your device and/or attempt to destroy, encrypt, and steal data from it.
7. Lock Your Devices
Make sure to lock your computer, phone, mobile device, and any other devices before leaving your desk. This prevents others from accessing sensitive data on your device like files and email.
8. Protect Sensitive Data
It is important to encrypt all your device’s data storage drives (including external data drives like external hard drives and USB drives). When sharing files with others make sure access is restricted to only those that truly need access to them. Shred any unneeded documents containing sensitive information and securely wipe devices before discarding them. Finally, do not leave papers that contain sensitive information unattended.
9. Participate in Compliance Training
Make sure to stay up to date on your organization’s compliance training. This will ensure you are aware and familiar with the most up-to-date policies, regulations, laws, etc. that apply to the organization you work for and your job title.
10. Properly Dispose of Old Equipment
It is important to properly dispose of old equipment. A device running an out of date or end of life operating system or application poses a security risk to your home and corporate networks. Please be on the lookout for any old equipment and contact your IT department for assistance with properly disposing of institution owned computing devices.
Follow Fairfield ITS on Instagram for more cybersecurity tips.
