May is National Cybersecurity Month

May is National Cybersecurity Month. If you use the internet, email, and/or a cell phone you are a potential target for hackers/cybercriminals. Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility. Keep reading for 5 tips that, along with staying vigilant, will help to make your digital life more secure. 

Tip #1: Practice Good Password Maintenance

We all have too many passwords to manage. It's human to want to reuse the same password for different accounts. Don't! Instead, a password manager can help you to maintain strong unique passwords for all of your accounts. Google Chrome has a password manager which can suggest strong passwords for you, enter credentials automatically, and remind you to update your passwords periodically. But this is only effective if you safeguard your device (see tip 4). There are also password management programs like LastPass, that have both free and paid tiers. 

• Have a different password for each account. This keeps you secure because if your password is hacked then cybercriminals won't be able to access ALL your accounts. 
• If you must write down your passwords, store them securely and away from your device. Please don't write passwords on a sticky note and put in on your desk or computer screen!
• When prompted to change your password change it to something new. Keeping the same password puts you and your device at risk.
• Use two-factor authentication on sensitive accounts. This gives a way of double-checking you really are who you are claiming to be.

Tip #2: Keep Software Up-to-date

Installing software updates for your operating systems and programs is critical. Always install the latest security updates for your devices.

If you see Update in the top right of your Google Chrome, click on Update then click on Update Google Chrome. It only takes a few seconds and it will relaunch Chrome with all of your tabs. The only difference is your Chrome browser will be up to date and secure.

If you see the above icon in your Windows taskbar it means that Windows needs to update. Please make sure to click on the update icon and follow directions to ensure your operating system remains secure. 

If you see an icon like this on a MacBook, iPad, or iPhone, please be sure to click on it and update your operating system. 

The best practice is actually to make sure that all your devices are set to automatically update to keep you and your devices safe. 

Tip #3: Be Careful About What You Click 

Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading anything from untrusted sources. These sites often host malware that will automatically install and infect your device.

If attachments or links in any email are unexpected or suspicious, don't click on them.

Turn on Safe Browsing to prevent the automatic download of plug-ins and scripts that can contain malicious code. 

1. In Google Chrome, click on the three vertical dots in the top right corner. 
2. Click on Settings.
3. Click Privacy and Security on the left menu.
4. Click Security.
5. Click the circle next to Enhanced Protection to turn on Safe Browsing. 

Tip #4: Never Leave Devices Unattended

The physical security of your devices is just as important as their technical security. 

• If you need to leave your device (laptop, phone, or tablet) for any length of time - lock it up so no one else can use it. To safeguard your devices, make sure you are logged out of your laptop and make sure that your mobile device has a PIN or passcode. 
• If you keep protected data on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure it is encrypted and locked up as well. 
• For Promethean Panels, make sure to use a PIN and log out of the Chromebox when not in use.
• For desktop computers, log out or shut down the system when not in use.  

Tip #5: Avoid Phishing- and Smishing- Scams

In phishing scams, cyber-criminals will attempt to trick you into divulging personal information such as your login ID and password, banking, or credit card information. Phishing is common via email, but can also happen on social networking sites. Smishing is phishing via text SMS. There has been a huge rise in smishing lately. Be vigilant and never share your personal information as a response to a request in an email, phone call, SMS text, or social media message. If you want to check on the validity of the message always go to the source- your bank, your Netflix account, etc. See examples of phishing and smishing below.