Top methods to stay cybersafe at home and at work, with tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA).

The internet connects us to a world of information, but it also comes with risks. Hackers and scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, making it crucial to fortify your digital defenses–both at home and for your business.

By following a few key practices, you can strengthen your online defenses and keep your home and business safe. In this blog post, we’ll dive into online security, using resources from the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA).

Identifying and Avoiding Scams

The first line of defense is awareness. Scammers constantly develop new tactics, but some common red flags can help you identify a phish from a genuine request. Here are some tips from the NCA:

• Be wary of unsolicited emails, calls, or texts: If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t click on links or attachments from unknown senders.
• Check for misspellings and grammatical errors: Legitimate companies typically have professional communication.
• Don’t share personal information: Never provide sensitive details like passwords or social security numbers unless absolutely certain of the recipient’s legitimacy.

The FTC also offers a helpful phishing quiz to test your scam-spotting skills.

Protecting Yourself from Attacks

Once you can identify scams, you can take steps to fortify your defenses. Here are some essential practices:

• Use strong, unique passwords: Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Consider a password manager to generate and store complex passwords securely.
• Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA): This adds an extra layer of security by requiring a code from your phone or email or a biometric login in addition to your password.
• Keep your software up to date: Updates often include security patches to fix vulnerabilities.
• Beware of public Wi-Fi: Avoid conducting sensitive transactions on unsecured networks. Consider using a virtual private network (VPN) for added security.

Recognizing You’ve Been Hacked

Even with the best defenses, breaches can happen. Here are some signs that your accounts might be compromised:

• Unauthorized login attempts: Be notified by your accounts if there are logins from unrecognized devices or locations.
• Changes to account details: If your email address, password, or security questions have been changed without your knowledge, you’ve likely been hacked.
• Unusual account activity: Suspicious purchases, emails sent from your account that you didn’t write, or changes to your profile information can all be red flags.

Responding to and Recovering from a Breach

If you suspect a breach, act swiftly:

• Change your passwords: Immediately update the passwords for all your compromised accounts.
  • Use a password safe like 1Password to store your passwords securely. You should never repeat passwords for multiple accounts.
• Report the attack: Inform the relevant platforms and consider filing a police report if necessary.
  • If you’re a business, gather your PR team to release a statement to your customers. Customers appreciate honesty and swiftness when it comes to a breach. Report all attacks to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3).
• Scan your devices for malware: Use reputable antivirus software to check for and remove any malicious programs.
• Monitor your accounts: Keep a close eye on your bank statements and credit reports for any unauthorized activity.
  • If you suspect someone has stolen money, this might mean calling the police and your bank.
  • If a work account was breached, let your IT department know.
  • If a social media or email account was hacked, alert the platform, and seek their help.
  • If you think someone has stolen your identity, it is worth contacting the FTC or the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC).
  • Let trusted friends and family know what you are going through so they can be on the lookout for weird messages or posts from your account.

The NCA offers a guide on what to do if your computer is infected with malware.

By following these steps and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to online scams and attacks. Remember, online security is an ongoing process, but with a little effort, you can keep your home and business safe in the digital world.

For further consulting assistance, contact Cyber Solutions Technologies.

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