Keep Your Holidays Merry And Secure With These Cyber Safety Tips
The following tips were shared by People 2.0, ABL’s payroll and invoicing partner.
As the holiday season approaches, we’re all preparing for celebrations, gatherings, and, of course, online shopping. This time of year, cyber threats tend to increase, so it’s essential to stay vigilant both at work and at home. Here are some best practices to keep you and your data safe this season:
🛒 1. Safe Holiday Shopping
- Avoid public Wi-Fi for purchases: Use secure, private networks for transactions.
- Use credit over debit: Credit cards often provide better fraud protection than debit cards.
- Skip saving payment info: Avoid storing card information on shopping sites.
- Validate the seller’s reputation: Check reviews on trusted platforms like Trustpilot and ensure the presence of trust and security certifications such as Norton Secured or Verisign.
🌐 2. Beware of Phishing Emails
- Phishing isn’t just for work emails: Phishing emails can reach both your corporate and personal email accounts. Be cautious with any unexpected messages.
- Double-check links: Before clicking, hover over any link to view the URL. If something looks off, don’t click! Reach out to your IT or Security team if you’re unsure.
📧 3. Web Usage Best Practices
- Browse securely: Stick to reputable websites and avoid downloading files or software from unknown sources.
- HTTPS matters: Look for “https” in the URL, especially when entering sensitive information. This means the site is encrypted for safer browsing.
- Minimize personal use of work devices: Limit personal activities on your People2.0 computer to reduce risk exposure.
🔒 4. Password Best Practices
- Unique passwords: Don’t reuse passwords across sites. A unique password for each account adds a strong layer of security.
- MFA: Configure and use MFA for any sites that you share or store sensitive information on.
- Avoid browser storage: Storing passwords in browsers can put you at risk.
🚨 5. If You Click a Suspicious Link
- Report immediately: If you click on a suspicious link or realize you may have entered information on a phishing page, notify your IT and Security right away. Prompt action can minimize risk.
- Change stored passwords: If you clicked on a suspicious link on your personal device, immediately change any passwords stored in your browser to protect your accounts.
Let’s keep your holidays merry and your data safe!
