Pull up a chair! It’s time to get cybersecurity aware!
Freddy McFraudster would like nothing more than for us to sit back and let him have his way with our money and joy, but with a few tips and the five Cs, we can send him packing with transactions intact and closings complete.
It’s Tip Time!
- Password management: Your pet’s name or the last four digits of your phone number will not keep scammers at bay. Consider utilizing a password manager to create unique passwords for each account or app. The manager will also keep track of your passwords so you don’t have to commit them to memory.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: Protection is about layers, and multi-factor authentication adds one more layer. When you log into one of your accounts, this tip may require you to check your email or enter a code, and what’s a few more seconds of your time?
- Back it up: Backing up your data stores it for you so if a scammer cracks the code, and in the process, deletes your data, you have files stored elsewhere to access. Consider storing files in more than one location, like an external hard drive or the cloud…or both.
- Update. Keeping all devices updated helps repair bugs that plague users, but these often contain security updates. Apps often offer an automatic update option that you may consider utilizing.
- Hover before you click. Clickbait and links are tempting, but wait a bit before you click. Try hovering over the link to confirm where it’s coming from, and if you see anything questionable, delete it immediately.
The Five Cs of Cybersecurity
- Change: Consider changing your passwords periodically. It may be helpful to put it on your calendar and stay up to date regarding the changes in the world online.
- Compliance: When signing up for online services, check out the site regarding its history of dedication to online safety and your protection.
- Coverage: Benjamin Franklin said, “By failing to plan, you are preparing to fail.” In any business, it’s essential to have a cybersecurity plan in place, and it starts from the top down. Click here for more information.
- Cost: Regardless of personal cybersecurity or business cybersecurity, consider the cost. Consider the bang for your buck…what features and benefits are you receiving for the price you pay.
- Continuity: Avoiding hackers is essential because they can steal access to your accounts, and that can feel debilitating. Utilize the things we have talked about here continually and put safety first.
Scammers and fraudsters should be scared of YOU at this point because you are armed and dangerous regarding cybersecurity awareness, but don’t save it all for October. We encourage you to remain vigilant year-round. If you have any questions or ideas about cybersecurity, please contact us today.
