October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month!

Lock Down Your Login

• Usernames and passwords are not enough to protect key accounts like banking, email, and social media.
• Better secure your online accounts with strong authentication (2-factor, multi-factor).
• Create long, complex passwords for every account and don’t reuse passwords.
• Use a password manager to generate long, complex passwords and save them securely, such as 1Password, Lastpass, or KeyPass. 
• https://stopthinkconnect.org/campaigns/lock-down-your-login
• https://staysafeonline.org/resource/stop-think-connect-tips-passwords-securing-accounts 

Google Security Checkup

• Protect your account in just a few minutes by reviewing your security settings and activity
• myaccount.google.com 

Own Your Online Presence

• Actively manage your privacy and security settings to control who see the things you post online.
• Set the privacy and security settings on websites to your comfort level for sharing.
• Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you or others.
• Understand what information your devices collect and how it’s managed and stored.
• Personal information is like money. Value it. Protect it. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it is collected.
• https://www.stopthinkconnect.org/campaigns/own-your-online-presence

Free Credit Report Freeze

• Equifax.com/personal/credit-report-services
  • 800-685-1111
• Experian.com/help
  • 888-397-3742
• TransUnion.com/credit-help
  • 888-909-8872

Keep a Clean Machine

• Having the latest security software and operating system is the best defense against cyber threats.
• Have a recent backup of your data means you can retrieve your files if you fall victim to ransomware.
• Research how to keep a device secure before purchasing and take steps to safeguard your device over time.
• Delete apps that are no longer interesting or useful to you.  
• Be familiar with the source of your apps and install from trusted publishers only.
• https://www.stopthinkconnect.org/campaigns/keep-a-clean-machine-campaign
• https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/keep-a-clean-machine/spam-and-phishing

 When in Doubt, Throw it Out

• If an email/post/ad looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete/mark as spam or report as a phishing email.
• Links in emails, posts & ads are often how criminals try to steal info, don’t click on links and go to the site directly.
• Attachments can contain malicious software that can infect your computer, don’t open.
• https://staysafeonline.org/staysafe-online/online-safety-basics/spam-and-phishing/

Connect With Care

• Limit what you do on a public wifi network.
• Be careful when performing financial transactions and look for a valid security certificate for the secure website (https).

Don’t Forget the Basics

• Do not ‘jailbreak’ your mobile device as this removes the built-in security features.
• Secure physical access to your device or enable device tracking in case it is lost or stolen so you can remotely lock and/or wipe the device.
• Enable passwords preferably, but also PINs, whenever possible on all your mobile devices.