by Reading Hospital – Tower Health
Technology has become a part of daily life, from sending e-mails and watching television streaming services to downloading mobile apps and using GPS during road trips.
With each new tech tool, you must also consider how to best protect and secure your sensitive information, including personal data and passwords. Cybersecurity Awareness Month wrapped up in October, and the Cybersecurity Team at Reading Hospital – Tower Health is sharing 10 important reminders to help you safeguard your tech at work and home.
- Use strong, unique passwords: Create complex passwords that include a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and special characters. Don’t reuse passwords across multiple accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable 2FA on your accounts to add an extra layer of security. This usually involves receiving a code on your phone or email to verify your identity.
- Keep software updated: Regularly update your operating system, web browsers, and applications. These updates often include important security patches.
- Be cautious with emails: Be wary of unsolicited emails or attachments. Phishing emails can trick you into revealing personal information. Verify the sender’s authenticity, and never click on suspicious links.
- Use a reliable antivirus: Install and regularly update a reputable antivirus program to protect your device from malware and viruses.
- Secure your Wi-Fi network: Change your router’s default password, use a strong network password, and enable encryption (WPA2 or WPA3) to secure your Wi-Fi.
- Protect your personal information: Be cautious about sharing personal information online or on social media. Limit the details you share, especially if it could be used to answer security questions.
- Regularly back up data: Backup important files and data to an external device or a secure cloud service. This will help you recover your data in case of a cyberattack.
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities: Refrain from conducting sensitive transactions or accessing confidential accounts on public Wi-Fi networks. Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) for added security.
- Educate yourself: Stay informed about cybersecurity threats and best practices. There are many online resources and courses available for further education.
Additional resources for education:
- Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA): The CISA website (https://www.cisa.gov/) offers a wealth of resources on cybersecurity, including tips, best practices, and alerts.
- Stay Safe Online by the National Cyber Security Alliance: Visit https://staysafeonline.org/ for tips, guides, and educational materials designed for everyday users.
- Cybersecurity Education and Training Resources by SANS Institute: SANS (https://www.sans.org/) offers a variety of cybersecurity training resources, webcasts, and whitepapers to enhance your knowledge.
Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, and staying vigilant is key to protecting your online identity and data.
