As Cybersecurity Awareness Month draws to an end, we must consider how to move from awareness to practice. It does not help to recognize problems and learn about solutions if those solutions are not then applied. Awareness should naturally lead to action – here are some action steps to make cybersecurity a habit:
1. Keep software up to date.
There are many options for preventative measures against viruses and network attacks. If you do not already have a firewall and antivirus protection, install some today. Check for updates and do a scan whenever you boot up your computer. This will help you stay informed about your device’s security settings. Whenever you update your browser, look at the settings again to ensure you have the level of security you want.
2. Retire old accounts.
When was the last time you actually logged into an account you created for a temporary event or interest? It might be time to close the accounts you don’t use, and thereby prevent your information from existing in places you have forgotten about.
3. Use strong and unique passwords.
Using the same password for multiple accounts may be the most convenient option, but it is certainly not the most secure. Use a variety of characters (uppercase, lowercase, symbols, and numbers) to make your passwords strong, and use a different password for each account.
4. Enable multifactor authentication.
Multifactor Authentication is a simple way to make your accounts far more secure. The extra security is worth the additional step required to log in.
5. Protect your devices.
Protecting your digital information includes protecting the devices where this information exists. Device protection involves everything from encryption and strong passcodes to remote wipe and location tracking ability.
Keep your devices physically secure as well. Do not leave them unattended in a public place or in a vehicle, and stay aware of their location when storing or transporting them. Have a contingency plan in case one of your devices goes missing so you can act promptly to prevent a data breach.
DriveStrike provides enterprise-level security for devices, including Remote Wipe, Remote Lock, Remote Locate, and other features. Sign up for a free trial to start protecting your devices today. DriveStrike works with BitLocker encryption for Windows and advanced configuration options for Android MDM.
6. Stay protected, but stay cautious.
No matter how many protections you have in place, your awareness of threats and best practices will still contribute to your security and privacy. Know the warning signs of cyber attacks, phishing scams, and malware. Be aware of how your devices normally function so you can recognize if anything seems out of the ordinary.
7. Browse securely.
Using a tor browser, VPN, or private search engine will help to limit the information that is collected from your online session. Go to your browser settings to set your security preferences and manage what information sites can access.
8. Communicate wisely.
Be careful what you share online and how you communicate with others through social media, email, video chat, and other channels. Ask yourself questions to help you think before sharing:
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- Am I sharing anything that could compromise my location or data security?
- Who needs to know this information, and who am I sharing it with?
- Is this messaging or chat service secure?
- Do I trust the site I’m communicating through?
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9. Research before you download.
Before downloading an app or software, make sure it comes from a trustworthy source. Look at the reviews and required permissions to see if there are any concerning features. Read the privacy policy and terms of service to see what information it collects, how your data is used, and your rights regarding its use.
10. Keep an eye on activity in important accounts.
Regularly check on account activity wherever you have financial information or other sensitive data. Keep your bank account, employee access, and health records extra secure, since these are prime targets for data theft.
11. Implement effective security solutions for your business.
If you own a business, one of your highest priorities is to keep your company data secure. This involves protecting laptops and mobile devices that are used to process confidential data, as well as IoT devices connected to the network. Test viable solutions before implementing them, and then continue testing to ensure everything is working properly and meets your company’s cybersecurity needs. Train employees to safeguard sensitive data and avoid cyber threats.
DriveStrike is an essential part of any robust cybersecurity program – sign up for a free trial to start protecting your devices and data today.
12. Install DriveStrike to protect devices and prevent data breaches.
DriveStrike provides effective device and data security for individuals, businesses, healthcare providers, government agencies, and everyone in between. With DriveStrike, you can manage all your devices from one secure central console. Remote Locate devices using the most granular location data available. Remote Lock devices to prevent unauthorized access. Remote Wipe lost, stolen, or otherwise compromised devices for the best protection against data breaches.
DriveStrike is available for all major platforms and operating systems. Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions about data protection, DriveStrike, or cybersecurity in general. Your security is our priority.
Do Your Part. #BeCyberSmart.