Cybersecurity
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). It is a great time to focus on how cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that affects all of us around the world. We are facing a growing number of cyber threats every day. Cybersecurity is a major concern affecting governments, corporations, hospitals, schools, banks and business operations around the world. Cybersecurity is also taking its toll on individuals and families. It is important to practice safe online behavior at work, home and when we are traveling. We need to be better protected and prepared with tools and tips to avoid the damaging effects of cybercrime. Many criminals would rather focus on easy targets. Here are a few simple ideas to strengthen the security of your devices while on vacation, studying abroad or traveling for business.
Device Protection
Know the risk to avoid the risk.
· Make it difficult for the criminal to access your information by using passwords. Key accounts should have two ways of authentication.
· Lock your device. If it is lost or stolen, it will be harder for criminals to gather your sensitive data.
· Use a good anti-virus system and VPN software to encrypt information.
· Consider purchasing or renting your own hotspot while you travel. This can add a secure encrypted connection that can keep your data safe.
· Beware of free hotspots. Criminals have been known to set up free hotspots to encourage unsuspecting victims to log in. This may open travelers’ devices to criminals’ malicious viruses. Once a criminal has gained access to your device remotely or physically they may get access to your pictures, social media, find banking information, turn on your camera, find passwords, and delete your content.
· Do not click on pop-ups. If an attractive advertisement pops on your screen do not be tempted to click! This may be cybercrime bait AKA phishing scams. One-click and they are in.
· Back up your devices. If you were to lose your phone or computer today, what data would you lose? Are there pictures, videos, contacts, and files that you may never be able to replace? If the answer is yes, then back it up!
· Update your software. This may have important security improvements for your device.
· Here is a great example of a phishing campaign: https://www.zdnet.com/article/phishing-campaign-targets-developers-of-chrome-extensions/
· Be careful with Bluetooth. Some devices can be remotely hacked through Bluetooth.
· Set up notifications so you will be alerted if someone logs into your account from a new device or location.
Cybersecurity month is a great time to incorporate the extra steps to keep your data safe. Cybersecurity is a cross-culture, cross-sector challenge that we need to bring awareness, gain strategies and tackle together.
Homeland Security has great ways for us all to get involved. Spread the word about cybersecurity by sharing resources from the STOP. THINK. CONNECT. ™ Toolkit.
Carrie Pasquarello CEO and Co-Founder of Global Secure Resources is a victim advocate. She developed an Individual Travel Assessment Plan (ITAP) to mitigate risk for travelers, and she teaches clients the techniques to promote personal safety.
