Tips to protect your network
Don't ever say "It won't happen to me". We are all at risk and the stakes are high - to your personal and financial well-being, and to your companies standing and reputation
Installing software updates for your operating system and programs is critical. Don't forget to install the latest security updates for your mobile devices.
Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted
sources. These sites often host malware that will automatically, and often
silently, compromise your computer.
If attachments or links in email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don't click on it.
Nak recommends using Click-to-Play or NoScript, browser
add-on features that prevent the automatic download of plug-in content
(e.g., Java, Flash) and scripts that can harbor malicious code.
We all have too many passwords to manage - and it's easy to take short-cuts,
like reuseing the same password. A password management program can help you to
maintain strong unique passwords for all of your accounts.
These programs can generate strong passwords for you, enter credentials automatically,
and remind you to update your passwords periodically.
There are several online password management services that offer free versions,
bitwarden [www.bitwarden.com] is a free application (with a premium service options) for all devices and OS's.
Considering how much we rely on our mobile devices, and how susceptible they are to attack, you'll want to make sure you are protected.
The physical security of your devices is just as important as their technical security.
Phishing scams are a constant threat - using various social engineering ploys, cyber criminals will attempt to trick you into divulging personal information such as your login ID and password, banking or credit card information.
Be aware of sensitive data that you come into contact with, and associated restrictions - review the Industry Standard & Compliances to understand data protection level requirements.
Back up on a regular basis, automated is always preferred - if you are a victim of a security incident, the only guaranteed way to repair your computer is to erase and re-install the system.
Only install an anti-virus program from a known and trusted source.
Keep virus definitions, engines and software up to date to ensure your anti-virus
program remains effective.
For personally-owned systems and unmanaged company owned computers,
there are many AV Companies offers free anti-virus software, available for
Windows and Mac. Microsoft© also has a free AntiVirus application.