Cyber Security is our responsibility
In this day and age, security doesn’t just mean keeping your personal information safe from prying eyes or remembering to lock your doors. In 2014, almost 1 billion data records were compromised in 1,500 cyber attacks – a 78% increase in the number of data records either lost or stolen in 2013, says digital security firm Gemalto. Of those, identity theft made up 54% of the personal data breaches.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the National Cyber Security Alliance promote National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) in the United States. The purpose of this occasion is to promote the safe and secure use of the Internet and to encourage digital privacy.
By taking small steps toward a safer online presence, you and your loved ones will be less likely to experience a loss of personal information and privacy.
Here are some of the everyday practices NCSAM organizers encourage us all to follow:
- Improve your passwords: Use strong passwords that are different for each account. Do your best to include numbers, capital and lowercase letters, and symbols.
- Keep an eye on apps: Before you download an app, review the privacy policy and what data (such as location) the app is requesting to access.
- Take it one step further: Turn on two-step authentication for your accounts – a security process in which the user provides two means of identification rather than one.
- Clean up your mess: Keeping your computers, cellphones, tablets and other electronics free from malware and viruses can make the Internet safer for the whole family.
- Be prudent when posting: Be mindful of what you’re posting to social media platforms, and avoid putting out personally identifiable information.
Following these steps can make it more difficult for someone with ill intentions to use your digital technology against you. By avoiding suspicious links, turning on two-step authentication and thinking twice about the kind of personal information you post to your social media accounts, you and your loved ones will be safer – both online and off.
