Cybersecurity is a Shared Responsibility

We are approaching the end of national “Cyber Security Awareness Month,” so let’s take a look at some top cybersecurity tips we should all adhere to:
  1. Use strong passwords to secure your information: make passwords at least eight characters and use a combination if uppercase and lowercase letters, numerals and special characters.
  2. Limit the use of external devices (computers or devices such as thumb drives, smartphones and mobile devices) follow your agency’s policies, as they are intended to protect the overall system.
  3. Be cautious about all communications you receive and be careful when clicking on links or attachments contained within those messages.
  4. Only shop at sites for companies you are familiar with and trust. Look for the lock symbol or https in the website url to indicate the transactions are secure.
  5. It is important to keep your systems and software up-to-date. Set programs and systems to auto-update to avoid missing a critical update.
  6. Make sure you secure your portable devices to protect the device and the information contained on the device. Establish a password and enable screen lock or auto lock and encrypt data/data transmissions whenever possible.
  7. Enable your firewall to block intruders and unwanted traffic from getting into your computer.
  8. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware programs to stop viruses, worms, and other malware like pop-up advertising, collecting personal information, or changing the configuration of your computer.
  9. Though not as secure as the traditional networks, you can minimize the risk on your wireless network by enabling encryption and changing the default password.
The theme of national “Cyber Security Awareness Month” is all about shared responsibility.  GovDefenders is on board and is dedicated to working with government IT security professionals at all levels to deliver the latest information on current threats, to provide industry best practices, and to enhance every security professional's career. Check out the site today for more information!