Smart Safety: National Cybersecurity Awareness Month tips from the National Cyber Security Alliance and DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency

As technology evolves and our devices continue to become more connected, it becomes even more important to be aware of what information you post online, as it only takes one post to be at risk of a cyberattack. Being aware of cybercriminals isn’t enough though, you must continuously understand, secure, and maintain your digital profile.  

Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safe and secure online. This year, NCSAM will emphasize personal accountability and stress the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace. 

To help, the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) and the DHS Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) offer tips to keeping you, and your family safe on social media:

• Remember, there is no ‘Delete’ button on the Internet. Share with care, because even if you delete a post or picture from your profile seconds after posting it, chances are someone still saw it.
• Update your privacy settings. Set the privacy and security settings to your comfort level for information sharing. Disable geotagging, which allows anyone to see where you are – and where you aren’t – at any given time.
• Connect only with people you trust. While some social networks might seem safer for connecting because of the limited personal information shared through them, keep your connections to people you know and trust.
• Never click and tell. Limit what information you post on social media – from personal addresses to where you like to grab coffee. What many people don’t realize is that these seemingly random details are all that criminals need to know to target you, your loved ones, and your physical belongings – online and in the real world. Keep Social Security numbers, account numbers, and passwords private, as well as specific information about yourself, such as your full name, address, birthday, and even vacation plans. Disable location services that allow anyone to see where you are – and where you aren’t – at any given time. Read the Social Media Cybersecurity Tip Sheet for more information.
• Speak up if you’re uncomfortable. If a friend posts something about you that makes you uncomfortable or you think is inappropriate, let him or her know. Likewise, stay open-minded if a friend approaches you because something you’ve posted makes them uncomfortable. People have different tolerances for how much the world knows about them, and it is important to respect those differences. Don’t hesitate to report any instance of cyberbullying you see.
• Report suspicious or harassing activity. Work with your social media platform to report and possibly block harassing users. Report an incident if you’ve been a victim of cybercrime. Local and national authorities are ready to assist you.  

If you’re interested in learning more tips about staying safe online visit https://niccs.us-cert.gov/national-cybersecurity-awareness-month-2019. 
Latest cybersecurity statistics in 2020