Cybersecurity Common Sense
As a child, how often did we hear from our parents, "How many times do I have to tell you..." We teach kids when they are younger by repetition. Lessons become so ingrained in our head that we can all recite "Look both ways!" "Don't touch that!" "Wash your hands" – and countless others. Why is it that as adults, we decide to stop learning things that are for our own good; rules that help protect us?
I'm talking about cybersecurity, and we aren't listening for some reason. Most Americans don't seem to realize the risk that they put themselves in with careless and sloppy cyber behaviors. Identity theft is just the tip of the iceberg. There are so many possible dangers with careless cybersecurity that we all need to pay better attention.
Unfortunately, the rules that were once reliable are no longer good enough. The sophistication of hackers and their methods have surpassed what was initially the way of protecting our personal identification, business network, and other electronic assets. There is a lack of education among most people, and therefore their expectations of what they are doing to protect themselves are not even close enough to what measures should be. For example, people assume that the public wi-fi at their local coffee shop is ok to use because the owners of the café would never steal their information. To complicate things even more, there is an assumption that our data isn't valuable if there isn't a big bank account tied to it. Or that our jobs won't give access to secret information since we don't work for the CIA. If a cybercriminal gets access to your information, whether that be information about your personal life or your banking password – that data can be used (or attempted to be misused) in countless ways.
Little by little, we have to address our own personal security at home. I know there are a lot of devices to maintain but let's start with our phone and do a thorough once over. Ensure that all home devices are secure and then look to online activities – and those of your friends and family members. We spend more time learning how to manage a new tv remote control than we do our own personal cybersecurity for each device we acquire. As a business owner, we must encourage our employees to also complete this task. A breach in their data also puts your business at risk. Do they use two-factor authentication? Do you? Your data is linked to family, friends, and colleagues – ensure that they are doing their part to keep your identity and data safe as well.
As we know, cybercriminals are constantly adapting. Just like previously perceived precautions are no longer enough, someday, what we are doing today will also have to change. Be sure to reach out to your Pendello Solutions team today to make sure your office is up to date on the most valid cyber-ready tactics.
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