October is Cybersecurity Month! Check out these four easy ways to stay safe online:
- Recognize and report phishing: Many online attacks happen when people click on harmful links or give their personal information to scammers. These scams often use scary language or make promises that sound too good to be true. Don’t click on these links or share your information. Report the phish and delete the messages.
- Use strong passwords: Use strong passwords that are hard to guess. Make them at least 16 characters long and use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a different password for each account. A password manager can help you store and use these passwords.
- Turn on multi factor authentication (MFA – AKA, two-factor authentication): Use two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever you can. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by asking for something only you have, like a code sent to your phone. This makes it much harder for hackers to get into your accounts.
- Update your computer software: When your devices, apps, or software say that there’s an update, you should install it right away. Updates fix security problems and help protect your data. Turn on automatic updates to make it easier.
When you receive any suspicious communications: Stop and think before you click! Reach out to the Help Desk at 319-273-8231 or at helpdesk@centralriversaea.org if you have questions. Visit https://www.cisa.gov/cybersecurity-awareness-month for more cybersecurity tips and information.