Cyber Security Awareness Month

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Protecting Personal Information

October is recognized as the Cybersecurity Awareness Month which promotes awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and making sure Americans have the resources needed to remain safe online.


Protecting Your Home


Everything in our homes are becoming smart devices. More smart devices means more network dependent items. It is important to be safe and protect your digital homes. Here are some tips:


Tips:

  • Secure Your Network - Be sure to change all factory-set passwords and usernames. 
  • Security - Be sure to add security software for all devices, updating web browsers, and updating operating systems. Scan for viruses and malware. 
  • Social Media - Resist the urge to post information on social media. Personal information has no place on social media.


Passwords


The easiest way to take first steps toward protecting yourself online is ensuring passwords are strong and complex. Here are some tips:


Tips:

  • Use a long passphrase - Use the longest password permissible. Add some punctuation and capitalization to increase complexity.
  • Easy passwords - Do not include any personal information in your password like your name, pets, or information on social media.
  • Get creative - Think about using misspelling or deliberate replacements of letters like "Phrog123” instead of “Frog123”
  • Protect passwords - Do not tell anyone about your passwords. Look out for phishing emails as well.



Phishing


Phishing attacks are basically when hackers have malicious intent using emails or websites to steal personal information from online users. It can look like a legit website login, be an email you respond to, or even bank logins. Here are some tips:



Tips:


  • Stranger danger - Be wary of any strangers or strange, unexpected emails at all times. 

  • Protect personal information - Do not give out personal information ever unless you specifically know the login site is protected, the financial site is protected, or you have met the person. 

  • Hyperlinks - Ensure hyperlinks are verifiable. Hover over them and see the link path. Ensure the URL begins with “https” because the “s” indicates encryption is enabled to protect users’ information.

  • MFA - Multi-Factor Authentication is a security measure to ensure the only person logging in  to your account is you. 

  • Software - Make sure all devices have updated antivirus software, firewalls, email filters, and anti-spyware. 



Call us for a Quote


Elementary is focused on helping you increase your savings, raising your deductible, providing you with discounts and applying credit as much as possible. Learn more about Elementary insurance products, or if you’re ready to take the next step, call (813) 212-8505 for a FREE no obligation quote.


https://www.cisa.gov/national-cyber-security-awareness-month



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