Cybert Smart Week 2020 is here and this year CERT is encouraging everyone to get there online security up to scratch, we’re all guilty of letting this slide by not protecting our passwords and updating them as necessary or sharing too much of our information online. This is an opportunity for our Enable people to embrace updates and get your online security sorted.
Below are four easy steps you can take to minimise the risk of being the victim of a cyber-attack. Security is important, so let’s get it sorted and feel free to forward this email to your family and friends!
Step 1. Use a password manager
It’s really important that each of your online accounts has a unique password, but remembering them all challenges the best of us.
The easiest way to keep track of them is to use password manager. It’s like an online safe that only you have the key to. It stores and manages your passwords for you and keeps them safe using strong encryption. You only need to remember one strong password for your password manager, and it’ll do the rest!
Step 2. Turn on two-factor authentication
Adding two-factor authentication (2FA) to your login is a simple way to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
It’s an easy extra step after you log in, like entering a code from an app on your phone.
Take some time to enable 2FA on your apps and accounts. You’ll usually find the option to turn it on in the privacy settings of the app or account.
Step 3. Update your devices
When you’re alerted to an update for your device, don’t ignore it — install it as soon as possible. As well as adding new features, updates fix any security issues or weaknesses that have been found. Updating software prevents attackers from using these vulnerabilities to gain access to your information.
If you can, set the updates to take place automatically whenever a new version is available. That way, you don’t have to think about it!
Step 4. Check your privacy
It’s important to know what information you’re sharing, and who you’re sharing it with. We’re so used to sharing things online that we don’t always think about how it affects our privacy. But, the information you share can enable attackers to access your data or steal your identity.
Check that any requests for personal information are legitimate before you share your details. If a company or business asks you for information, think about why they might need it. If you’re not sure, don’t provide the information.
Report it
If you, your friend, or your business experiences an online incident, report it to CERT NZ.
CERT NZ is a government agency that helps New Zealanders identify cyber security issues and guides them in resolving them.
Report an issue.
Want to find out more about getting cyber smart? Check out http://www.cert.govt.nz/cybersmart
