With the recent news about several local businesses being hit with a data breach, we would like to share this simple information to help you take steps to secure your Business, Family, and Personal information.
It is officially National Cyber Security Awareness Month!
Phishing. It truly NEVER stops! Here are some simple tasks you can do to help you not get hooked.
– Verify the “Sender” – if you weren’t expecting an email from the sender, or the email looks unusual, call the sender to verify the email.
– Delete emails and attachments from unknown persons, after reporting as Spam. If you are in a corporate environment, do so after reporting the email to your Information Technology/Security team.
– Do not send any financial information from your business or your personal accounts.
– Do not click on an email or any links you suspect to be a phish just to see what it has to say. I know, it sounds obvious, but we are all curious by nature… just don’t.
Protect Your Business and Personal Passwords
Passwords are sensitive — treat them as such, by not:
– Sharing your passwords with anyone, not even good friends.
– Writing your passwords down.
– Storing your passwords in a Word document or text file on your computer.
– Using the same password for different accounts and systems (e.g., using your Facebook password for access to a Credit Union resource, or to access your Internet Banking).
Protect your Business Assets
– Make sure you know where your business owned phones and laptops are at all times.
– Never leave your business owned phones or laptops in a vehicle overnight, or in similar unprotected places.
– If you believe your financial accounts have been compromised contact your financial institution immediately.
This National Cyber Month – really, every month – is a good time to be vigilant about protecting yourself from ending up in a phishing net.
This ‘Professional Perspective’ guest post was contributed by Tony Ruestig, Community Development Officer, TwinStar Credit Union.
