Stop.Think.Connect. Cyber Tips

The majority of cyber criminals do not discriminate; they target vulnerable computer systems regardless of whether they are part of a government agency, Fortune 500 company, small business, or belong to a home user. However, there are steps you can take to minimize your chances of an incident.

• Set strong passwords, change them regularly, and don’t share them with anyone.
  
  • Do not include your name, your kids’ or pets’ names, or other well-known information about yourself in your password;
  • Avoid using common words in your passwords or passphrases. Instead, break up words with numbers and punctuation marks or symbols. For example, @ can replace the letter “A” and an exclamation point (!) can replace the letters “I” and “L”; and
  • Use a combination of upper and lower case letters.
• Keep your operating system, browser, and other critical software optimized by installing updates.
• Maintain an open dialogue with your friends, family, colleagues, and community about Internet safety.
• Use privacy settings and limit the amount of personal information you post online.
• Be cautious about offers online – if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.