STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™: Simple Steps to Online Safety

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM)!  As an official NCSAM Champion, JUDS recognizes its commitment to cybersecurity, online safety and privacy. Staying safe and secure online is our shared responsibility.

For each week in October, JUDS will highlight a new topic and we invite our clients, partners, friends and family to join us and discuss the latest recommendations on Facebook and LinkedIn!

Our first week's theme is STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™ and it focuses on easy-to-follow, actionable advice for everyone! #CyberAware

 

 

• Lock down your login
  • Use STRONG & UNIQUE passwords!
    
    • Strong passwords are at least 8 characters in length and have a combination of upper and lower case letters, numbers and symbols.
    • Unique passwords are ones you don't use any where else.  Password reuse can become a major issue, since a single password may allow attackers into many of your accounts!  If you use
  • Enable multiple factor authentication wherever possible.  Such as SMS, one-time passcodes, security keys and biometrics!

 

• Keep a clean machine
  • Keep all internet-connected devices (computers, smartphones, tablets, etc) current with updates, patches, etc.
  • Use current and commercial off-the-shelf antivirus and malware software and enable real time scanning.

 

• Back it up
  • Protect your valuable work, music, photos and other digital information by making an electronic copy and storing it safely.

 

• When it doubt, throw it out!
  • Links in email, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cybercriminals try to compromise your information
  • If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or, if appropriate, mark it as junk.

 

• Share with care, personal information is like money.  Value and protect it!
  • Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you or others.
  • Any information you share about you has value.  Be thoughtful about what information is collected by apps, website and your devices.

 

More information and tips on this week's campaign can be found at https://www.lockdownyourlogin.org/