Strong cyber hygiene makes the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency\u2019s job easier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The organization within the Department of Homeland Security is tasked with protecting the nation\u2019s critical infrastructure from cyberattacks and as part of the lead up to National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, the agency released a toolkit Aug. 14 for preventing attacks. Created in partnership with the National Cyber Security Alliance, the toolkit contains best practices for citizen to protect themselves online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s a round-up of CISA\u2019s internet security recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be wary of public Wi-Fi<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Public wireless networks can be insecure. CISA recommends that users confirm the wireless network name and log-in procedures with the organization\u2019s staff before connecting. While browsing, the security agency says users shouldn\u2019t connect to their banking portal or log in to other sites that have sensitive information, such as credit card numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another option: use a personal hotspot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The agency also recommends running security updates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe best defense against viruses and malware is to update to the latest security software, web browser, and operating systems,” the toolkit reads.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Keep log-in credentials secure<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
To keep accounts as secure as possible, enable multi-factor authentication across all accounts, from banking to email to social media. Multifactor authentication will \u201censure that the only person who has access to your account is you,\u201d the toolkit said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CISA also suggests avoiding choosing the same password on all accounts and pointed to password managers as a way to stay organized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be vigilant of apps and social media posts<\/b><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Social media posts could give away personal details that will allow hackers to target users, even if the posts are as mundane as where to grab the morning coffee, birthdays or vacation plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThese seemingly random details are all criminals need to know to target you, your loved ones, and your physical belongings \u2014 online and in the physical world,\u201d the toolkit said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
CISA also warns users about internet connected devices, such as toys or appliances, that run on mobile applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cYour mobile device could be filled with suspicious apps running in the background or using default permissions you never realized you approved \u2014 gathering your personal information without your knowledge while also putting your identity and privacy at risk,” the tool kit read.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
An organization within the Department of Homeland Security released a toolkit Aug. 14 for preventing attacks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":31915,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_canonical":"","_acf":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":31,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","_smg_distribution_targets":[]},"categories":[106,31,33],"tags":[],"coauthors":[3242],"class_list":["post-26598","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-daily-brief","category-home","category-newsletters"],"acf":{"subheadline":"","legacy_arc_id":"LLZY67UYEFHLBMGSK7NUJHH4UQ","arc_canonical_url":"\/2019\/08\/14\/feds-suggest-3-ways-to-improve-cybersecurity-at-home\/","remove_feature_photo":false,"is_sponsored":false,"subtype":"","redirect_url":"","disable_inline_ads":false,"native_logo_pretext":"Presented By:"},"yoast_head":"\n