October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and this year’s theme, “See Yourself in Cyber,” focuses on the human aspect of navigating today’s cyber world.
The good news: You don’t have to be a cybersecurity expert or “tech” person to do this safely. The Coast Guard Cyber Command offers these four basic tips to keep you and your family safer online, whether you’re checking email, using your cell phone, or just surfing the web.
Think Before You Click: Recognize and Report Phishing: If a link looks a little strange, the subject line isn’t right, or the message is too good to be true, don’t open it. It could be a phishing link that can install malicious software on your computer or mobile device.
Update your software – Hackers are always finding weaknesses in software and ways to exploit them, which is why vendors regularly release updates. Stay ahead and upgrade your devices (computers, tablets, cell phones, “smart” devices, gaming systems, etc.).
Use strong passwords: It’s not a person on the other end of the line trying to guess your password, it’s an automated program armed with lists of common words and phrases. That automated program can crack a password like “P@$$word123” in less than a second. Use long, unique, randomly generated passwords for your accounts. Consider using a password manager to encrypt and secure your passwords so you don’t have to remember them all.
Enable multi-factor authentication: Simply put, a username + password alone isn’t enough these days (especially if your passwords are weak or you use the same password for multiple accounts). Consider enabling multi-factor authentication to access your accounts, such as sending a unique code to your cell phone to validate that it’s really you. Most services offer this option and validate your identity through a combination of something you know (your username + password) and something you have (your cell phone).
The Coast Guard Cyber Strategic Outlook shows our commitment to Defend and Operate the Enterprise Mission Platform, Protect the Maritime Transportation System, and Operate in and through Cyberspace. While we as a community are always vigilant about protecting our users, networks, and systems, the first line of defense is you. Take a moment to acknowledge the daily role you play in cyberspace to keep yourself, your family, and the Coast Guard safe.
For more information on Cyber Security Awareness Month, see the DHS Cyber Security Awareness Program.
Source: news.google.com