How to Stay Safe Online – Twitter Tips from the Security Pros
We are now in the second week of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM).
A campaign sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in cooperation with the National Cyber Security Alliance and the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center, NCSAM is designed to emphasize our shared responsibility in strengthening the security postures of our workplaces, homes and digital lives. This initiative’s targets include entities within the public and private sectors.
At the heart of NCSAM is the belief that only through increased security awareness on the parts of businesses, homes and individuals can we hope to better protect all of us online.
With this in mind, we have gathered expert comments on how to create a cyber security culture at work. We have also explored an information security practitioner’s perspective on what steps users can take to stay safe online.
Now it’s your turn. In observance of NCSAM, we have created the hashtag #CyberAwareTips in an effort to stimulate awareness thinking amongst our readers. Please contribute to the conversation and submit your tip on Twitter or Facebook that explains how we can protect ourselves online.
In the meantime, please enjoy some of the tips we have collected from the broader public and infosec community thus far.
Password Advice:
Change your personal passwords when you’re reminded to change your corporate passwords. #CyberAwareTips
— Tim Erlin (@terlin) October 2, 2015
Length does matter…for passwords at least Not sure yours measures up? Have a wee watch of this https://t.co/M30jCtq7jF #CyberAwareTips — Infospectives (@S_Clarke22) September 28, 2015
Don’t reuse passwords, use Password Manager for strong and unique passwords #CyberAwareTips
— Ashiq JA (@AshiqJA) September 28, 2015
At the Office:
Back to basics: Make sure to lock your computer when you walk away (Windows Key + L, Ctl-Shift_Eject for macs). #CyberAwareTips — Mandy Huth (@cyberfortress) October 7, 2015
Never be afraid to respectfully question the identity of an unknown person in the office, in an email or on the telephone #CyberAwareTips — AntiSocial Engineer (@antisocial_eng) September 28, 2015
Mobile Security:
Carefully read T&Cs on Android apps – do you know what rights you are signing away? #CyberAwareTips #PrivacyProject https://t.co/QSZ9kjhcUL — Andy Rose (@AndyRoseCISO) October 2, 2015
Jailbreaking your phone destroys not only the warranty, but also its security – Don’t do it! #CyberAwareTips
— Bob Covello (@BobCovello) September 29, 2015
Keep Bluetooth and Wi-Fi disabled on your mobile devices unless needed. “Disable When Done!” #CyberAwareTips — Ryan Chapman (@rj_chap) September 28, 2015
Email Security:
Hover over links embedded in an email. If the address looks odd don’t click on it, it may be phishing #CyberAwareTips pic.twitter.com/9My8FTWe8j
— Adenike Cosgrove (@nikecosgrove) October 2, 2015
Phishing: If you suspect deceit, hit delete! #CyberAwareTips — Nikk Gilbert (@archangelnikk) September 29, 2015
“We, the bank, need to confirm your logon credentials, please click here and submit them.” #DontClickThat #CyberAwareTips
— Irfahn Khimji (@TheRealKhimji) September 28, 2015
Don’t click a link you don’t recognize and validate domain names too. You tools like http://t.co/s85RmIFWim to help verify #CyberAwareTips — Matthew Pascucci (@MatthewPascucci) September 28, 2015
Get some clarity in your work inbox and remove spam, create a filter with the word ‘unsubscribe’ and send it to a junk box. #CyberAwareTips
— AntiSocial Engineer (@antisocial_eng) September 28, 2015
Network Security:
Handy with your home network router? Close all the outbound ports that you can to help prevent Trojans from calling home #CyberAwareTips — Dave Archer (@ArcherAtGalois) September 30, 2015
Do you know when devices are added to your network? Use NMS for alerts & reduce cyber risk #CyberAwareTips http://t.co/ujhKB3GLoN
— Belden Inc. (@BeldenInc) October 5, 2015
Broadband routers include an option to turn connections off at night…good for security and sneaky screen obsessed kids #CyberAwareTips — Infospectives (@S_Clarke22) September 29, 2015
Turn your WiFi off when you leave the house or work #CyberAwareTips
— Энди °(⊙Y⊙)° (@ZephrFish) September 28, 2015
Plus Much More…
Don’t plug in found USB devices #CyberAwareTips — Tim Erlin (@terlin) October 1, 2015
When implementing #cybersecurity always start with a gap analysis. Then you can set your strategy & tactics #CyberAwareTips — Jane Frankland (@JaneFrankland) September 30, 2015
Security is a journey, not a destination. #CyberAwareTips — Steven F. Fox (@securelexicon) September 29, 2015
Create a cyber security plan that includes Detection & not just Prevention #cyberawaretips #tripwire Cyber Security Awareness Month – Oct 1.
— Mark Gibson (@KomodoScotland) September 28, 2015
Never rely on one single defense to protect your organization. Defense in depth is fundamental. #CyberAwareTips @TripwireInc — InfoSec Institute (@InfosecEdu) October 8, 2015
We hope you find these tips helpful, and in honor of National Cyber Security Awareness Month, we encourage you to share these recommendations with family, friends and colleagues.