Cyber Security Tips

Technology is a good thing, but like all good things, it can be used for bad.  Be safe and equip yourself with these tips.

A New Phishing Site Launches Every 20 Seconds.  This is one of those phishing statistics you definitely hope is wrong, but you know, deep down, that it’s not. When you are armed with information and resources you are wiser about computer security and less vulnerable to phishing scams. Phishing emails are getting more sophisticated.  Being aware and looking closely at emails before you take any action is a must. Below are some of the items you should be aware of when you receive emails:

• Requesting confidential information via email or instant message
• Emotional language using scare tactics or urgent requests to respond
• Misspelled URLs, spelling mistakes or the use of sub-domains
• Attachments (including PDFs) and links within the body of a message
• Lack of a personal greeting or customized information within a message.

Before you click, take a few more seconds to look closer at the email.  Below is a list of some of some things you can do to protect yourself:

• Do not provide personal information to any unsolicited requests for information
• Only provide personal information on sites that have “https” in the web address or have a lock icon at bottom of the browser
• Look closely at the email to see if there is anything that looks out of place or abnormal.  Such as miss spelled words or improper use of words
• If you receive a confirmation for an order you did not order, contact the company.  Do not click on any links or open attachments
• If you suspect you’ve received phishing bait, contact the company that is the subject of the email by phone to check to see if the message is legitimate
• Type in a trusted URL for a company’s site into the address bar of your browser to bypass the link in a suspected phishing message
• Use varied and complex passwords for all your accounts
• Continually check the accuracy of personal accounts and deal with any discrepancies right away
• Avoid questionable websites

Practice safe email protocol

• Don’t open messages from unknown senders
• Immediately delete messages you suspect to be spam

If you or someone you know become a victim of cybercrime below is information for guidance on how to report, recover and reinforce after a cybercrime: