Paul Dreher Director of Personal Insurance View Bio

cybersecurity

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. During this month, the public and private sectors work together to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and serves as a reminder to safeguard your personal data and ensure privacy.

Here are four strategies from the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the National Cybersecurity Alliance that everyone can use to stay cybersecure throughout the year:

Use strong passwords and password managers

Cybercriminals are often able to determine or guess simple passwords. Passwords should be at least 16 characters long, random, and unique for each account. The use of password managers—secure programs that maintain and create passwords—is encouraged. These easy-to-use programs store passwords and fill them in automatically on the web.

Implement multifactor authentication (MFA)

MFA is a layered approach to securing data and applications. This tool requires a user to present a combination of two or more credentials to verify their identity for login. MFA enhances security because even if one credential becomes compromised, unauthorized users will be unable to meet the second authentication requirement and will not be able to access the targeted physical space, computing device, network, or database.

Recognize and report phishing

Many cyberattacks result from a recipient of a phishing message accidentally downloading malware or giving sensitive information to a cybercriminal. You should learn the signs of a phishing attack to avoid accidental engagement in these attempts. They can be recognized by their use of alarming language or offers that are too good to be true.

Update software

Ensure that your software programs stay up to date by installing security updates as soon as possible. These updates close security vulnerabilities and help protect users from cyberattacks.

More Information

For more information on Cybersecurity Awareness Month, review CISA’s webpage for the observance. Contact us today for more cybersecurity guidance and cyber insurance solutions.


Disclaimer:  This brochure is provided for informational purposes only. The information provided herein is not intended to be exhaustive, nor should it be construed as advice regarding coverage. Eligibility for coverage is not guaranteed and all coverages are limited to the terms and conditions contained in the applicable policy. © 2008, 2013, 2016 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.