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Cyberattacks are on the rise, with individuals being targeted by digital criminals who threaten to hack into personal information.

While we all prefer to think it won’t happen to us, everyone is a potential target. Below are some tips to protect your personal online presence, including social media accounts, use of apps such as banking, and email.

Account Security

Make it harder for cybercriminals to gain access to your information.

• Passwords cyber hygiene:
  • Consider a password manager application, such as Dashlane, to help you create and track unique and complex passwords. Credential reuse is an issue where the application enables you to remember and implement strong, unique passwords for every account. Some have restoration services included for a premium account in case you are a victim of identity theft.
  • Passwords should be a minimum of 14 characters, according Microsoft, with a combination of symbols and numbers
  • Do not use browser password extensions! When your browser asks to save your password, say NO!
• Turn on Multi-Factor Authentication or Dual-Factor Authentication with banking, e-mail accounts, password manager applications and smart devices.
• Set up a guest network for visitors to your home and add smart devices to this network.
• Check with sites like SpyCloud or Have I Been Pwned to track breach exposure and force password resets if your information has been compromised.
• Reset your router’s password or update the device. Consider a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that stays on.
• Do not connect to public Wi-Fi. There are security risks associated with logging on. Consider using a VPN if you need to use it.

Source: SpyCloud

Blocking and Securing Devices

Hacking happens every day, so it’s important to be prepared.

• Verify antivirus is enabled and up to date on your devices.
• Utilize endpoint and detection & response for your home environment.
• Consider blocking pop-up ads.
• Make sure you are backing up your data securely.
• Keep your device’s software up to date.

Consider freezing your credit by contacting each of the three main credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian and TransUnion. You can thaw your credit when you are applying for new credit or opening an account with a utility or communications provider and set it to freeze automatically once complete.

Taking these steps helps secure your data and protect your accounts and identity from being exploited by bad actors.

For more information, visit our Cyber Risk page or contact:

Lacy Rex
VP, Cyber Strategic Leader
Oswald Companies
Email

(Sources: forbes.com, krebsonsecurity.com, spycloud.com)

Note: This communication is for informational purposes only. Although every reasonable effort is made to present current and accurate information, Oswald makes no guarantees of any kind and cannot be held liable for any outdated or incorrect information. View our communications policy.