The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has designated October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month, but few of the observances that the United States recognizes need daily attentiveness more urgently. It doesn’t take more than a moment’s laxness or haste on our electronic devices to compromise their security, enable identify theft, fall prey to cyber scams, and other criminal acts.
Cybersecurity isn't a concern only for businesses or information technology (IT) professionals. You may be a retired grandparent who only uses a computer to check email, shop online, look at family pictures, or keep up with friends. You are still a potential target. Your email address, passwords, financial information, and personal information all have value to a cybercriminal.
Cyberattacks on the general public succeed in one form or another literally millions of times each day due to the sheer volume of the probing. Experts say the advancement of artificial intelligence is making the onslaught even worse.
“AI is making cyberattacks faster, more scalable, and more difficult to detect by automating tasks such as phishing, data analysis, and malware development,” states the Harvard Extension School, one of the 12 degree-granting schools at Harvard University. “AI has democratized cybercrime. Today, the barrier to entry is lower than ever. Anyone with access to an AI tool and a desire to commit cybercrimes can do so.”
As part of our new safety series, “A Bright Idea,” that tracks the safety lessons that Operations Manager Glen Presson shares at the monthly meetings of the CEC Board of Directors, we’re highlighting four steps that the U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency recommends that people take to stay secure online.
- Update Often. Install updates as soon as they are available.
- Use Strong Passwords. Make passwords long (16+ characters) and different for every account.
- Turn On Multifactor Authentication. Add an extra verification step (like a code) to protect valuable accounts.
- Spot Phishing (an attack using fake emails, text or websites) Fast. Be cautious of unexpected messages with unusual links, urgent language, misspellings or unfamiliar senders.
Presson notes that Community Electric’s IT Manager, says good cybersecurity doesn’t have to be complicated. A few simple habits can go a long way toward keeping your information safe:
- Restart your computer regularly. This allows important security updates to finish installing.
- If you work remotely, bring your work computer into the office periodically. Connecting to the company network helps it receive the latest updates and security changes.
- Keep your desktop organized. A clean computer screen can make it easier to notice something unusual.
- Keep your phone in your hands. Don’t hand an unlocked phone to someone you don’t know—even for a few seconds.
That last tip is especially important. Presson says scammers in the Tidewater area have approached people in parking lots claiming their phone has died and asking to borrow one. Within seconds, they can potentially access personal information or financial accounts.
If someone asks to borrow your phone to make a call, Presson recommends offering to help without handing it over. Dial the number yourself and place the call on speaker.
“Cybersecurity truly is something we need to practice every day and in every locale,” Presson says.