October is Cyber Safety Awareness Month: 8 Practices to Stay Safe Online

October is Cyber-Security Awareness Month. We received a newsletter from one of our clients, the Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) which included 8 important cyber safety practices compiled by the National Cyber Security Alliance. We thought it would be a good list to share with our readers, and Commissioner James Thomas of the CT DEMHS has granted us permission to do that. We’ve summarized the tips and provided links back to the source for more detailed information. We think these would be good tips to pass along to employees in your organization, too!
Eight Cyber Security Practices to Stay Safe Online
The widespread availability of computers and connections to the Internet provides everyone with 24/7 access to information, credit and financial services, and shopping. The Internet is also an incredible tool for educators and students to communicate and learn.
Unfortunately, some individuals exploit the Internet through criminal behavior and other harmful acts. Criminals can try to gain unauthorized access to your computer and then use that access to steal your identity, commit fraud, or even launch cyber attacks against others. By following the recommended cyber security practices outlined here, you can limit the harm cyber criminals can do not only to your computer, but to everyone’s computer.
However, there is no single cyber security practice or technological solution that will prevent online crime. These recommended cyber security practices highlight that using a set of practices that include Internet habits as well as technology solutions can make a difference. The National Cyber Security Alliance’s Top Eight Cyber Security Practices are practical steps you can take to stay safe online and avoid becoming a victim of fraud, identity theft, or cyber crime.
1. Protect your personal information. It’s valuable.
2. Know who you’re dealing with online.
3. Use anti-virus software, a firewall, and anti-spyware software to help keep your computer safe and secure.
4. Be sure to set up your operating system and Web browser software properly, and update them regularly.
5. Use strong passwords or strong authentication technology to help protect your personal information.
6. Back up important files.
7. Learn what to do if something goes wrong.
8. Protect your children online.