Protect Yourself from Potential Cyber Threats

Cyber threat activity is increasing due to the developing situation in Eastern and Central Europe. The Cyber Security & Infrastructure Agency (CISA) issued a “shields up” warning to prepare for potential cyberattacks. CISA works to assist government and private sector organizations to manage cybersecurity issues.

These are the things you need to know and do to protect your information from escalating cyber threats.

Secure your devices, accounts and information:

• Protect your wireless network at home by replacing the default administrative password with a strong password, checking security settings and enabling encryption.
• Create passwords that are strong and unique for your personal and company accounts devices. Do not reuse, share or write down passwords. Change your password immediately if an account is compromised.
• Keep all your devices up to date with the most recent operating system and applications available.

• Implement multi-factor authentication on your accounts. A password isn’t enough to keep you safe online. By implementing a second layer of identification, like a confirmation text message, email, or a code from an authentication app. Enable multi-factor authentication on your email, social media, online shopping, financial services accounts when available. 
• Think before you click. More than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email.  A phishing scheme is when a link or webpage looks legitimate, but it’s a trick designed by bad actors to have you reveal your passwords, social security number, credit card numbers, or other sensitive information. Once they have that information, they can use it on legitimate sites. And they may try to get you to run malicious software, also known as malware.  If it’s a link you don’t recognize, trust your instincts, and think before you click.