As your alarm goes off you roll over and pick up your phone. Turning the alarm off, you check your notifications on your phone. For many, the above scenario is extremely familiar. Not only is it familiar, but it’s routine. Phones, computers, and other technology have become an integral part of many people’s lives. This is just one reason why we have an entire month devoted to internet awareness and staying safe online, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (CAM). As October is almost upon us, we want to be prepared to take part in this important event. How can you do so? This article will address ways you can get involved.
Utilize a Password Manager
As humans we like things that are easy to remember, and that doesn’t change when it comes to passwords. However, easy to remember and reused passwords are weak passwords that can easily be cracked and leveraged across accounts. Because of this, the easiest way to use secure passwords (and to not have to remember them) is by utilizing a password manager. This process only needs to be set up once and will ensure your accounts are much more secure.
Use Multifactor Authentication (MFA)
You can view Multifactor Authentication as a secondary defense for your accounts. It puts into place requirements for multiple points of verification to enter your account. For example, if you’re trying to log in somewhere it may require a username and password. MFA may then require a code from an app on your phone in order to enter the site. While usernames and passwords can be brute forced or gathered in social engineering attacks; MFA, when used properly, helps ensure that it really is YOU who is logging in.
Pinpoint the Phishes
As social engineering attacks become more prolific, we need to do better at identifying them. One major attack vector for malicious parties is phishing emails. Be on the lookout for emails from people you don’t know, and emails with links in the body. In addition, take a moment to look at the sender and see if you recognize them and ask yourself if the request in the email really makes sense. Taking a moment to analyze what you’re seeing can save your data and personal information.
Take an Active Role
As October approaches, be sure to do your part to take an active role in this special month of activity! Now is the time to enable that password manager, to leverage MFA, and to train yourself to identify phishing emails.
Written by: Shelby Dacko
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