2022 Cybersecurity Awareness Month – Prioritizing Cybersecurity in a Hybrid Workplace
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month! This week, we focus on the importance of staying cybersafe in an online world. Hybrid workplaces have become increasingly relevant, and for
employees, this means relying on connected devices from their home office setups to perform their duties.
In this new normal, it is important to #BeCyberSmart when in person and online. Here are some tips from the National Cybersecurity Alliance for securing your at-home devices:
Remember, smart devices need smart security
Make cybersecurity a priority when purchasing a connected device. In new device setup, be sure to enable privacy and security settings. Store information safely in encrypted data storage, and utilize password managers.
Put cybersecurity first in your job
Make cybersecurity a priority when stepping into any role. Good online posture can be part of any organization’s onboarding process. Exercise best practices to keep you and your company safe from online criminals. Perform regular software updates, make them automatic, and enable two-factor authentication.
Make passwords long, unique, and complex
When at work, be sure to use password policy guidelines! Make passwords strong so that you can avoid a hack. Passwords should be at least 12 characters long, with unique phrasing and words, and should be complex with a variety of numbers, upper and lowercase letters, and symbols to ensure safety.
Never use public computers for work-related activities
When working from home, a change of scenery might be needed to enjoy your workday. Public spaces must be treated with cybersafety in mind. When connecting to a public network, use a VPN, never leave your workspace unattended or easily accessed, and avoid logging into work portals via public computers.
Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when idle
When Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled, your whereabouts can be tracked and accessed. Stay as safe as possible and turn these options off when you are taking a break, or logging off for the day. This simple step can keep you and your data safe.
Learn more about cybersafety at staysafeonline.org
Thank you for taking the time to learn about cybersafety this month and #BeCyberSafe throughout the year!