Every October is cybersecurity month. In last year’s cybersecurity month (Cybersecurity Month 2019), there are safety tips shared. Let us discuss the gems and insights.
Optimize Data Protection
Data is the company’s asset. Most especially today, more cybercriminals are seeking after data. Because data means business for these malicious actors.
Thus, being entrusted with data with your customers, make sure to live by their expectations. Do what you can to optimize your company’s data protection.
For instance, you can employ the following tips:
- Data encryption- most especially in handling credit card information. This should be practiced in both open and public networks.
- Strict Access of data- data access should be effectively managed. For instance, cardholder data should only be available to key persons. Also, restrict any physical access to cardholder data.
- Develop and maintain firewall configuration.
- Employ a standard policy for the storage of customer’s data
- Do not use vendor-supplied defaults passwords.
- Change passwords regularly
Provide Training
Employers handle most of your data. Thus, the need for proper cyber practices should be implemented by everyone.
So make sure to handle training for your employees. For example, you can provide training about the following:
- How to identify and handle phishing techniques?
- Also, how to counteract malicious phone calls?
- How to protect both company and personal credentials?
Phishing Education
Phishing serves to be one of the most effective baits of attacks. Moreover, today, more sophistication is integrated with this malicious action.
Be aware of the following:
- Malicious links and attachments through emails. These contents can make way for malware, trojan, and viruses to infect your whole system.
- Unknown emails from unknown sources
- Difference between safe and malicious links. You can do so by hovering over the link, and see where it’ll lead you to.
- Grammatical errors in emails are malicious.
- Friends can be sources of malicious links, also. Thus, never be too complacent.
Be Careful With Friend Requests
Malicious actors make the best of social media too. Thus, be careful not to accept friend request invites to people you barely know.
Remember, even with the most legitimate-looking profile pictures come scams. Because people can freely make up accounts. Also, they can impersonate someone or even you.
Suppose you suspect a false and malicious account, report it. Also, make sure to block the user. You can also remind others not to make the mistake of accepting this certain account.
Watch What You Share
This is something most people don’t easily understand.
Social media is a public place. That means malicious actors can be in the same place. Thus, sharing personal information is dangerous.
For example, never disclose personal details. Even the following information:
- Where you study (school)
- Workplace
- Vacation time
This information can be used by cyber predators. To gain access to your valuable data.
Physical Cyber Safety
Cyber threats come from physical plugins too.
So, imposing a policy about ‘plugging in devices’ may be helpful. Remember, viruses and trojans can come from flash drives and hard drives. Not to mention smartphones and IoT devices.
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