October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!
Stay safe with these tips!
From the U.S. Dept of Homeland Security: Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency
  • Update software and operating systems with the latest patches. Outdated applications and operating systems are more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Never click on links or open attachments in unsolicited emails.
  • Back up data on a regular basis. Keep it on a separate device, and store it offline.
  • Follow safe practices when browsing the Internet.
  • Restrict users' permissions to install and run software applications, and apply the principle of "least privilege" to all systems and services. Restricting these privileges may prevent malware from running or limit its capability to spread through a network.
  • Use application whitelisting to allow only approved programs to run on a network.
  • Enable strong spam filters to prevent phishing emails from reaching the end users, and authenticate inbound email to prevent email spoofing.
  • Scan all incoming and outgoing emails to detect threats, and filter executable files from reaching end users.
  • Configure firewalls to block access to known malicious IP addresses.
  • Double your login protection. Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) to ensure you are the only person who has access to your account. Use it for email, banking, social media and any other service that requires logging in.
  • Shake up your passphrase protocol. Consider using the longest password or passphrase permissible. Get creative and customize your standard passphrase for different sites, which can prevent cybercriminals from gaining access to these accounts and protect you in the event of a breach. Use password managers to generate and keep track of different, complex passphrase for each of your accounts.
  • If you connect, you must protect. Whether it’s your computer, smartphone, gaming or other network devices, the best defense against viruses and malware is to update to the latest security software, web browser and operating systems. Sign up for automatic updates, if you can, and protect your devices with antivirus software.
  • Play hard to get with strangers. Cybercriminals use phishing tactics, hoping to fool their victims. If you’re unsure who an email or message is from ̶ even if the details appear accurate ̶ or if the email looks “phishy,” do not respond and do not click on any links or attachments found in that email. When available use the “junk” or “block” option to no longer receive messages from a particular sender.
  • Never click and tell. Limit what information you post on social media. What many people don’t realize is that these seemingly random details are all cybercriminals need to know to target you, your loved ones and your physical belongings ̶ online and in the physical world. Disable location services that allow anyone to see where you are – and where you aren’t – at any given time.
  • Keep tabs on your apps. Most connected appliances, toys and devices are supported by a mobile application. Your mobile device could be filled with suspicious apps running in the background or using default permissions you never realized you approved —gathering your personal information without your knowledge while also putting your identity and privacy at risk. Check your app permissions and use the “rule of least privilege” to delete what you don’t need or no longer use. Learn to say “no” to privilege requests that don’t make sense. Only download apps from trusted vendors and sources.
  • Stay protected while connected. Before you connect to any public Wi-Fi, be certain to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate. If you do use an unsecured public access point, practice good cyber hygiene by avoiding sensitive activities (e.g., banking) that require passphrases or credit card numbers. Your personal hotspot is a safer alternative to free Wi-Fi. Only use sites that begin with “https://” when shopping or banking online.
Need help setting up a technology strategy? FSMS Members have access to discounts with the cyber security advisor Trulight! Trulight can show organizations how to highlight areas of opportunity, while minimizing areas of risk. Key to minimizing risk, is a well defined and implemented cyber security strategy and plan. Contact FSMS for details.