Security & Safety Resource Center

In the vast realm of cybersecurity, terms like viruses, malware, and ransomware are often thrown around interchangeably. While they may sound similar, each poses distinct threats to your data and digital security.

Viruses: self-replicating troublemakers

Imagine a tiny digital intruder that can stealthily infiltrate your system, replicate itself, and spread to other connected devices. That’s the essence of a virus. These malicious programs can cause a wide range of damage, from corrupting files to disrupting system functions.

Malware: a broad umbrella of threats

Malware, an umbrella term, encompasses a vast array of harmful software, including viruses, spyware, worms, and trojans. These malicious programs are designed to infiltrate your system and wreak havoc, stealing sensitive data, disrupting operations, or installing unwanted software.

Ransomware: data held hostage

Picture this: your precious files are suddenly encrypted, making them inaccessible. The culprit? Ransomware, a type of malware that holds your data hostage until you pay a ransom fee to regain access. This form of cybercrime has become increasingly prevalent, causing significant financial losses and disruptions.

Protecting yourself from digital threats

To safeguard your data and devices from these digital threats, follow these essential security practices:

1. Install and maintain reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
2. Regularly update your operating system and software applications to patch vulnerabilities.
3. Be cautious about opening unsolicited emails or clicking on suspicious links.
4. Avoid downloading files from untrusted sources.
5. Back up your data regularly to ensure you have a copy in case of an attack.

Awareness and proactive measures are key to staying ahead of evolving cyber threats. By understanding the distinctions between viruses, malware, and ransomware, and implementing strong security practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these digital threats.

In today’s digital world, passwords are essential for securing our online accounts. However, it’s crucial to safeguard these valuable keys from unauthorized access. One common scam involves cybercriminals posing as tech support representatives and tricking users into revealing their passwords.

Beware of password phishing scams

Legitimate tech support representatives will never ask for your password over the phone. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from tech support and they ask for your password, hang up immediately.

Reset passwords securely

If you need to reset your password, you can usually do so by clicking a link on the site in question and/or supplying your old password. This ensures that you are resetting your password through the legitimate website and not through a scammer’s ploy.

Stay vigilant and protect your accounts

By following these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to password phishing scams. Never share your passwords with anyone over the phone, and always reset your passwords through secure channels. Your vigilance is key to safeguarding your online accounts and personal information.

While pop-up ads aren’t as common as they once were, they can still pose a threat to your device and security. These ads often contain deceptive messages, such as warnings about fake virus infections, outdated software, or suspicious phone numbers.

If you encounter such ads, don’t panic! Simply close them immediately and avoid interacting with them. These ads are scams intended to trick you into taking unnecessary actions or revealing personal information.

Remember, if an ad seems too good to be true, it probably is. Be cautious of any pop-up ads that urge you to download software, click on dubious links, or call unfamiliar numbers.

Common ad-based scams to watch out for

• Fake Virus Warnings: These ads claim your device is infected with a virus and prompt you to download a fake antivirus program. Avoid clicking on any links or downloading anything from these ads.
• Outdated Software Alerts: These ads falsely alert you that your Adobe Flash Player or other software is outdated and prompt you to download an update. Avoid clicking on these links, as they may lead to malware installation.
• Suspicious Phone Number Prompts: These ads urge you to call a specific phone number to resolve a technical issue or receive a prize. These numbers may be toll scams or connect you to scammers trying to extract personal information.

Stay vigilant, and you can avoid falling prey to these common ad-based scams.

Third-party keyboards offer various customization options, from swipe-based typing to new stickers and emoji, to enhance your mobile typing experience. However, this convenience comes with a potential risk: the keyboard can see everything you type.

While some third-party keyboard providers may be trustworthy, there’s always a chance that your personal information could be compromised. If you value your privacy, it’s best to stick with the default keyboard provided by your device manufacturer.

The default keyboard is designed to safeguard your privacy and security. It’s regularly updated with the latest security patches and doesn’t share your typing data with third parties.

While third-party keyboards may offer enticing features, the potential privacy risks outweigh the benefits. Unless you have a strong reason to believe a specific third-party keyboard is secure, it’s better to play it safe and use the default keyboard.

Remember, when it comes to your personal information, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Stick with the default keyboard and enjoy a more secure typing experience.

Text messages, sent via carrier SMS, have been a mainstay of mobile communication. However, they have increasingly been replaced by over-the-top (i.e., internet-based) services like Apple iMessage, WhatsApp, and Telegram. These alternatives not only offer more features but also provide end-to-end encryption, a security measure not supported by SMS or its successor, RCS.

Why encrypted messaging apps are better

End-to-end encryption ensures that your messages are protected from unauthorized access, even from the messaging service itself. This means that only the sender and recipient can read the messages, preventing data leaks or interception by third parties.

Making the switch to encrypted messaging

Many encrypted messaging apps are available for iOS and Android devices. Popular options include Signal, WhatsApp, and Telegram. These apps offer similar features to SMS, such as group chats and media sharing, but with the added benefit of end-to-end encryption.

Overall, switching to encrypted messaging apps is a simple yet effective way to enhance your privacy and security when communicating in today’s digital world.

Before downloading an app, take a moment to review its details and understand its purpose. Be mindful of the permissions it requests, such as access to your location, contacts, or personal information. Decide whether you’re comfortable granting such permissions and if the app’s benefits outweigh the potential privacy concerns.

Regularly review your installed apps and delete those you no longer use. Unused apps can pose security risks and possibly harbor vulnerabilities. By keeping your app list lean, you minimize the attack surface and enhance your overall security posture.

Remember, not all apps are created equal. Pick for apps from trustworthy developers and read user reviews before installing. Stay informed about potential security concerns and promptly uninstall any apps that raise red flags.

Take control of your app usage and safeguard your data. By being selective, informed, and vigilant, you can maintain a secure and privacy-conscious mobile environment.

Advertisements are essential for many websites to generate revenue. However, some ads can be intrusive and disrupt your browsing experience. An ad blocker can help eliminate these bothersome ads. However, consider whitelisting legitimate sites with ads to support their content creation.

Here are some simple tips for minimizing disruptions from intrusive ads:

• Utilize an ad blocker: An ad blocker can effectively filter out intrusive ads, making your browsing experience smoother.
• Whitelist legitimate sites: Support websites that provide valuable content by whitelisting them in your ad blocker. This allows them to continue displaying non-intrusive ads for revenue.
• Be mindful of ad placement: Be cautious of ads placed in close proximity to website content, as they can be easily mistaken for actual content.
• Use reputable websites: Visit websites with a proven track record of responsible ad placement to avoid intrusive ads.

By following these simple steps, you can significantly reduce the disruptions caused by intrusive ads and enjoy a more pleasant browsing experience. Remember, a balance between ad revenue and user experience is crucial for a sustainable online environment.

Zero-day vulnerabilities — undisclosed security flaws — pose significant threats to your organization. Hence, you have to stay vigilant by monitoring security advisories, threat intelligence sources, and vendor updates to promptly identify and address emerging threats. These undetected weaknesses can be exploited by cybercriminals to gain unauthorized access to systems, steal sensitive data, or disrupt operations.

To effectively combat this threat, organizations need to adopt a proactive approach to staying informed about emerging zero-day vulnerabilities. This involves actively monitoring security advisories from trusted sources, subscribing to threat intelligence feeds, and keeping up with vendor updates.

By promptly identifying zero-day vulnerabilities, organizations can take timely action to mitigate the risks before they are exploited. This may involve applying patches, implementing workarounds, or temporarily disabling vulnerable systems.

Proactive measures are essential for maintaining a resilient cybersecurity posture. By staying informed about emerging threats and taking swift action to address them, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of falling victim to zero-day attacks. Remember, timely action is key in safeguarding your organization’s data and infrastructure.

In today’s digital world, apps have become an indispensable part of our daily lives. While downloading apps from official app stores like the Apple App Store and Google Play is generally safer than sideloading or acquiring them from third-party sources, it’s important to remember that even official apps can pose security and privacy risks.

Not all apps are created equal

Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in apps to steal sensitive data or inject malware onto your device. Additionally, some apps may collect excessive personal information that could be used for unauthorized purposes. Therefore, it’s crucial to exercise caution and adopt vigilant practices when downloading and using apps.

Scrutinize app permissions

Before installing an app, carefully review the permissions it requests. Do you feel comfortable granting the app access to your camera, microphone, or location data? If an app requests permissions that seem excessive or unrelated to its intended purpose, consider whether you truly need that app.

Stay updated with app security patches

App developers regularly release updates to address security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. Promptly installing these updates is essential for maintaining a secure mobile environment.

Be mindful of app reviews

Check user reviews and ratings before downloading an app. Negative reviews and warnings about security issues or privacy concerns should raise red flags.

Balance convenience with security

While apps offer convenience and enhance our digital experiences, it’s crucial to strike a balance between convenience and security. By being selective about the apps you install, scrutinizing permissions, and staying up-to-date with security patches, you can minimize the risks associated with app usage.

By adopting a cautious approach to app downloading and usage, you can safeguard your personal information and protect your device from potential security threats.

Credit card skimmers, once a common nuisance at ATMs and point-of-sale terminals, still pose a risk for those who swipe their cards. To stay ahead of these data thieves, opt for chip-and-pin or contactless payment methods whenever possible.

Chip and PIN: enhanced security

Chip-and-pin technology offers a more secure way to make payments. Instead of relying on the magnetic strip, chips store your card information in an encrypted format, making it more difficult for skimmers to capture data.

Contactless payments: convenience and security

Contactless payments, also known as tap-and-pay, provide an even more convenient and secure payment option. By simply tapping your card or NFC-enabled device on the payment terminal, you eliminate the need for physical contact, reducing the risk of skimming.

NFC-enabled phones for ATM transactions

If you’re withdrawing cash from an ATM, consider using an NFC-enabled phone to tap into your account instead of inserting your physical card. This contactless approach minimizes the chances of card skimming and provides an additional layer of security.

Remember, vigilance is key in today’s digital world. By adopting chip-and-pin or contactless payments and staying mindful of potential skimming risks, you can significantly reduce your chances of becoming a victim of credit card fraud.

Social networking sites, also known as “friend-of-a-friend” sites, leverage the concept of traditional social networks where you connect with new people through people you already know. While some networking sites are primarily social, allowing users to form friendships or romantic connections, others focus on establishing business connections.

Connecting with friends and family

Social networking sites provide a platform for individuals to connect with friends, family, and acquaintances from different stages of their lives. These connections can be maintained through various features, such as sharing updates, sending messages, engaging in group chats, and participating in virtual events.

Expanding professional networks

Social networking sites also serve as valuable tools for professional networking. Individuals can connect with colleagues, industry experts, and potential employers to expand their professional circles. These connections can lead to opportunities for collaboration, job prospects, and career advancement.

Sharing interests and discovering new communities

Social networking sites facilitate connections based on shared interests, hobbies, and passions. Users can join groups, follow individuals with similar interests, and engage in online communities focused on specific topics. This fosters a sense of belonging and allows individuals to discover new interests and perspectives.

Precautions for safe social networking

While social networking sites offer numerous benefits, it’s important to exercise caution and practice safe online habits. Protect your personal information, be mindful of what you share, and be wary of online scams and phishing attempts.

Social networking sites have become an integral part of modern communication and connection. By understanding their purpose and using them responsibly, you can reap the benefits of these platforms while safeguarding your online safety.

Thoroughly assess the cybersecurity practices of third-party vendors that provide software or services to your organization. Specifically, evaluate their security controls, data handling practices and compliance with industry standards and regulations.

Furthermore, conduct periodic audits and vendor risk assessments to minimize potential security vulnerabilities introduced through external partnerships. Ensuring the security of third-party relationships is crucial for protecting your organization’s data and maintaining your cybersecurity posture.

Imagine someone silently intercepting your conversation with a friend, listening to your every word. That’s essentially what a man-in-the-middle (MITM) attack is – an attacker secretly intercepts and alters communication between two parties.

A common example is when someone steals information from a user connected to a public Wi-Fi network. The attacker can easily intercept and read the user’s data, including passwords and sensitive information.

Protecting yourself from MITM attacks

The good news is that there are ways to protect yourself from MITM attacks. One effective method is using a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, encrypting your data and making it unreadable to anyone trying to intercept it.

Here are some additional tips to avoid MITM attacks:

• Avoid public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities: When using public Wi-Fi, avoid accessing sensitive websites or entering personal information.
• Use strong passwords and two-factor authentication: Create strong passwords for all your online accounts and enable two-factor authentication for an extra layer of security.
• Be cautious of suspicious links and attachments: Don’t click on links or open attachments from unknown senders.

By following these simple precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to MITM attacks and protect your valuable data. Remember, vigilance is key in today’s digital world.

Strengthen the security of sensitive files and records through the use of encryption. By employing robust encryption algorithms and implementing secure key management practices, you can best protect your data both at rest and in transit. Furthermore, when you encrypt your data, you ensure that even if unauthorized access occurs, the information remains indecipherable to unauthorized parties, preserving its confidentiality and integrity.

File encryption is a versatile tool applicable to a wide range of data types, including personal information, financial records, intellectual property, and confidential business documents. By encrypting these sensitive files, organizations and individuals can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and safeguard their valuable assets.

In conclusion, file encryption serves as an essential layer of defense in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. By employing robust encryption algorithms, implementing secure key management practices, and understanding the benefits of data confidentiality, integrity, and availability, you can effectively protect your sensitive information and maintain control over your data.

The URL (address) bar at the top of your web browser is a valuable resource for understanding the security of the website you’re visiting. It provides crucial information about the website’s connection status and potential risks.

Identifying secure connections

Look for the text “https://” at the beginning of the URL. This indicates that the website is using a secure protocol that protects your data from being intercepted. Additionally, a padlock icon or a green bar in the URL bar may appear, further confirming the secure connection.

Browser security alerts

Some browsers provide additional security warnings to alert you to potential risks. If a website is not secure, your browser may display a warning message or prevent you from accessing the site altogether. These warnings are designed to protect your data from phishing scams and other malicious websites.

Location services and ad blocking indicators

The URL bar may also display icons indicating the status of location services and ad blockers. If location services are active, an icon may appear, allowing you to manage or disable them. Similarly, if an ad blocker is in use, you may see an icon indicating that ads or scripts have been blocked.

Stay alert and protect your data

By paying attention to the information provided in the URL bar, you can make informed decisions about the websites you visit and protect your data from potential threats. Remember, browser security indicators are valuable tools for safeguarding your online safety.

Vigilant user account activity oversight facilitates identifying and mitigating potential security threats. This is particularly important for accounts with elevated privileges with sensitive information access.

Consider implementing user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) tools that continuously monitor and analyze user actions and system behavior more generally. These tools work to detect anomalies indicative of security breaches and, in turn, prompt investigative measures. Timely detection and remediation of suspicious activities can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, protecting both your data and your reputation.

In today’s digital world, email remains a primary communication tool, but it also carries potential security risks. One common practice is for email services to automatically download images embedded in the body of emails. While this can enhance the visual appeal of emails, it also introduces potential security vulnerabilities.

Cybercriminals can exploit these embedded images to embed malicious code, which can infect your device with malware or lead to phishing attacks. To minimize these risks, consider disabling automatic image downloads by default and manually downloading images only when necessary.

Why manual image downloads offer better protection

• Reduced attack surface: by preventing automatic image downloads, you limit the potential for malicious code to enter your system.
• Greater control: manual downloads allow you to assess the sender and content of an email before deciding whether to download images.
• Safer email experience: disabling automatic image downloads reduces the risk of unknowingly downloading malicious content.

Implementing manual image downloads

Most email clients provide options to disable automatic image downloads. Once disabled, you can manually download images on a per-email basis by clicking on the image or using the “Download Images” option.

By implementing manual image downloads and following additional security practices, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to email-based cyberattacks. Remember, vigilance is key in protecting your digital safety.

Prepare your organization for potential security incidents by creating a clear, comprehensive incident response plan. This plan should outline clear roles and responsibilities, escalation procedures, communication strategies and detailed steps to follow in the event of a breach.

Consider conducting regular drills and tabletop exercises to ensure that your team is well-prepared to react swiftly and effectively to security incidents. A well-organized and practiced incident response plan can minimize damage, reduce downtime and protect your organization’s reputation during high-risk times.

In addition to local backups, consider the practice of using offsite or cloud-based backups as a component of your data protection strategy. Offsite backups provide redundancy and data recovery capabilities in case of local disasters, hardware failures or ransomware attacks that may compromise your local data storage.

Ensure that your data is encrypted both during transmission and while at rest, preserving the confidentiality and integrity of your backups, and safeguarding your organization’s data assets against potential loss.

Imagine not being able to check your email, access important documents, or communicate with friends and family. This could happen if you lose access to your email account. To prevent this scenario, setting up a recovery email address or phone number is essential.

Why a recovery email or phone number matters

Your email account serves as a central hub for communication, work, and personal matters. If you lose access, it can disrupt your daily life and make it difficult to recover important information.

Setting up your recovery options

Most email providers allow you to set up a recovery email address or phone number. This linked account or number will be used to send you a verification code or instructions on how to reset your password if you’re locked out of your primary email account.

Making recovery easy

• Choose a reliable recovery email: Use an email address you actively check and have access to.
• Provide an accessible phone number: Enter a phone number you always have with you, even if it’s a secondary device.
• Regularly check your recovery email or phone: Ensure the linked account or number is active and receives notifications.

By setting up a recovery email or phone number, you’re creating a safeguard against losing access to your email account. Remember, taking preventive measures today can save you from potential headaches and data loss tomorrow.

Strengthen your cybersecurity posture through regular security audits and vulnerability scanning. Security audits provide a comprehensive assessment of your organization’s security practices, identifying strengths and weaknesses. Concurrently, vulnerability scanning identifies potential weaknesses in your systems, applications and configurations. Promptly addressing identified vulnerabilities is key in preemptively countering potential exploits, minimizing security risk and safeguarding your digital assets and sensitive information.

While you’ve likely had a VPN recommended more than once, the reminders are warranted. Preserve your online privacy and enhance security by using a VPN when accessing the web — particularly when using public WiFi. When you’re connected to a VPN, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through secure servers, shielding your data from eavesdroppers and hackers who leverage untrusted networks. Practically, a VPN serves as a fundamental tool in safeguarding sensitive information during remote work, travel or when using unfamiliar networks — ensuring confidentiality.

Ensure that your devices and applications are configured to receive automatic, periodic updates. These updates are necessary, as they deliver critical security patches, addressing known vulnerabilities and strengthening your systems against evolving threats.

Automating the update process is a healthy measure: It reduces the window of exposure to potential exploits, strengthening your defense against a range of cyberattacks.

Imagine losing your phone or having your computer crash – those precious family photos, important documents, and even your password list could be gone in an instant. That’s why it’s crucial to avoid putting all your “digital eggs” in one basket.

Diversifying your backup strategy is key to safeguarding your valuable data. Consider using cloud backup services, which store your data securely online, accessible from any device. External hard drives also offer a reliable way to create physical copies of your data.

Here’s why diversifying your backups is essential:

• Protection against device failures: If your primary device crashes, you’ll still have access to your data stored elsewhere.
• Disaster preparedness: In case of natural disasters or unforeseen events, having backups ensures your data remains safe.
• Peace of mind: Knowing your data is secure provides a sense of relief and eliminates the stress of potential data loss.

By spreading your data across different backup options, you’re creating a safety net that protects your precious digital treasures from unexpected losses. Remember, a diversified backup strategy is an investment in your data’s long-term security.

Recognize the significance of social engineering awareness in safeguarding against modern cyber threats. Cybercriminals frequently employ manipulation tactics to exploit human psychology and gain unauthorized access to systems and data.

Elevate your online and offline awareness, educating yourself and your team on common social engineering tactics, including pretexting, baiting and tailgating. By cultivating a culture of vigilance and skepticism, you can effectively thwart manipulation attempts, protecting sensitive records and maintaining general security.

Internet of Things (IoT) devices require meticulous hardening to mitigate potential security risks. Begin by changing default passwords to strong, unique ones — reducing susceptibility to brute-force attacks. Regularly update device firmware to patch vulnerabilities and address security weaknesses.

Additionally, consider segmenting IoT devices onto a separate network, isolating them from your primary network. This proactive measure minimizes the potential impact of breaches, prevents unauthorized access to sensitive systems, and preserves your network’s integrity.

You can strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity defenses by investing in comprehensive employee training programs and conducting regular phishing simulations. Employee training should encompass threat awareness, safe email practices and the ability to recognize and thwart common social engineering tactics.

Simulated phishing exercises gauge your team’s readiness and response to phishing attempts, allowing you to tailor your training based on specific weaknesses. An educated and vigilant workforce forms a robust first line of defense against evolving cyber threats, working to safeguard your organization’s sensitive data and resources.

In today’s digital world, not all online accounts are created equal. Some, like online banking, e-commerce, and social media, hold sensitive information that makes them prime targets for cyberattacks. To safeguard these accounts, consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) and creating strong passwords.

Two-factor authentication: an extra barrier against hackers

2FA adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone, in addition to your password, when logging in. This makes it much harder for unauthorized individuals to gain access, even if they have your password.

Strong passwords: the foundation of account security

A strong password is essential for protecting your online accounts. Avoid using easily guessable information, such as birthdays or pet names. Instead, create a password that is long, complex, and includes a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

Prioritize sensitive accounts for enhanced protection

Focus your security efforts on the accounts that hold the most sensitive information. For these accounts, consider using a password manager to generate and store strong passwords securely.

By implementing these simple yet effective measures, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyberattacks and protect your valuable data. Remember, vigilance is key in today’s digital world.

For businesses, look to elevate the security of your web applications by deploying a web application firewall (WAF). This defense layer inspects all incoming HTTP/HTTPS requests and responses, meticulously filtering out malicious traffic including SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS) and various application-layer attacks.

By adopting a WAF, you fortify your web services against a spectrum of cyber attacks, proactively mitigating the risk of data branches and application vulnerabilities. This sophisticated technology provides granular control, ensuring that only legitimate traffic reaches your applications while thwarting malicious attempts.

Protect your digital privacy by regularly reviewing and managing app permissions on your devices. This practice involves comprehensively scrutinizing each app’s access to your device’s features and data. Be discerning in granting permissions, providing access only to the resources apps genuinely require for their functionality.

Regular reviews ensure that apps do not have unnecessary or overreaching access to your personal data, fortifying your privacy defenses and reducing your overall risk of data exposure.

Intrusion detection systems (IDS) scrutinize network traffic and identify deviations from baseline behavior to facilitate real-time monitoring of your network. They also work to point out unauthorized access attempts and potential security breaches more generally.

Whether host-based, network-based or cloud-based, IDS options provide comprehensive coverage. When anomalies are detected, your IDS generates alerts, allowing you to investigate and respond promptly to any potential compromises.