As we close out the 16th Annual National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, Hg wants to highlight the overarching theme for this year: Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT. All month government agencies, public and private organizations, businesses, and academic institutions have promoted tips on how individuals can make the world a safer place by taking responsibility by enhancing their cybersecurity at home, work, and play.
In an effort to help educate the public, we are disseminating these top tips developed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance:
OWN IT.
Understand your digital profile. Internet-based devices are present in every aspect of our lives: at home, school, work, and on the go. Constant connection provides opportunities for innovation and modernization, but also presents opportunities for potential cybersecurity threats that can compromise your most important personal information. Understand the devices and applications you use every day to help keep you and your information safe and secure.
In a world where we are constantly connected, cybersecurity cannot be limited to the home or office. When you’re traveling— whether domestic or international—it is always important to practice safe online behavior and take proactive steps to secure Internet-enabled devices. The more we travel, the more we are at risk for cyberattacks. #BeCyberSmart and use these tips to connect with confidence while on the go. Read the Cybersecurity while Traveling Tip Sheet for more information.
SECURE IT.
Secure your digital profile. Cybercriminals are very good at getting personal information from unsuspecting victims, and the methods are getting moresophisticated as technology evolves. Protect against cyber threats by learning about security features available on the equipment and software you use. Apply additional layers of security to your devices – like Multi-Factor Authentication – to better protect your personal information.
Any business accepting online payments on their website is at risk of an e-Skimming attack. This threat has impacted e-commerce companies in the retail, entertainment, and travel industries as well as utility companies and third-party vendors. E-Skimming is also commonly targeting third-party vendors such as those who provide online advertisements and web analytics. The cyber criminals are evolving their tactics and have also been seen using malicious code that targets user and administrative credentials in addition to customer payment information. Read the E-Skimming Tip Sheet for more information.
PROTECT IT.
Maintain your digital profile. Every click, share, send, and post you make creates a digital trail that can be exploited by cybercriminals. To protect yourself from becoming a cybercrime victim you must understand, secure, and maintain your digital profile.
Whether it’s your computer, smartphone, game device, or other network devices, the best defense is to stay on top of things by updating to the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems. If you have the option to enable automatic updates to defend against the latest risks, turn it on. And, if you’re putting something into your device, such as a USB for an external hard drive, make sure your device’s security software scans for viruses and malware. Finally, protect your devices with antivirus software and be sure to periodically back up any data that cannot be recreated such as photos or personal documents. Read the 5 Steps for to Protecting Your Digital Home Tip Sheet for more information.
