As recent major cybersecurity incidents have shown, cyber criminals often rely on human error – like failing to install software patches, clicking on malicious links, and creating easy-to-guess passwords – to gain access to systems and information. Every one of us – from senior leadership to the newest employees – is responsible for keeping our organization’s information and systems secure. That’s why strong cybersecurity practices are so important.
Cybersecurity isn’t just the job of the IT department. Many of our jobs require the Internet, and anyone with access to our network is a potential point of vulnerability. Cyber criminals are becoming ever more advanced, and we must be vigilant to protect our data and systems from cyber threats.
October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) and a good time to remind ourselves to be safe online. Below are simple steps you can take to be more cyber secure at work and at home:
- If you come across something suspicious in the cyber world, immediately report it to your IT department.
- Set strong passwords and change them regularly.
- Keep your usernames, passwords, or other computer/website access codes private.
- Only open emails and attachments from people you know.
- Do not install or connect any personal software or hardware to the organization’s network without permission from the IT department.
- Make electronic and physical backups or copies of all your important work. Do the same for your personal files on your home computer.
- When you work from home, secure your Internet connection by using a firewall, encrypting information, and hiding your Wi- Fi network.
You can get more details at: https://www.dhs.gov/sites/default/files/publications/Week2TipCard-%20508%20compliant.pdf
Pennsylvania Highlands is committed to the cybersecurity of our organization and our employees.
Information about organizational cybersecurity efforts
- College policies to be aware of regarding Cyber Security
- Quick tips – Great guide at: https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/cyber-security-tips/
- Allows lock your computer(s) and/or mobile devices when you are away from your desk
- Never use a USB whose source you don’t know! It can be infected with malware that can even resist formatting.
- Consider Two-Factor authentication – More info - https://heimdalsecurity.com/blog/start-using-two-factor-authentication/
- Be careful on friend requests on Facebook, etc. Don’t trust them if you truly don’t know them.
- Be careful about Social Engineering – For instance, you get a phone call from someone claiming to be your bank and asking you to change your password – don’t do it!
- Never leave your devices unattended
- Use antivirus on your computer AND your smartphone
- Don’t trust Popup notifications
- Be Careful About Programs You Download and Run (and Stop Pirating Software)