In today’s digital landscape, an informed awareness of cyber-security threats and best practices for guarding personal information and data for businesses is absolutely essential for protecting your hard-earned assets. With countless avenues in which critical information is shared via the internet, cyber-attacks and data breaches are on the rise more than ever before. “…A report issued by the Director of National Intelligence named cyber-attacks as the principal national security threat facing our country—above terrorism, espionage and weapons of mass destruction.”² In light of October being National Cyber Security Awareness month (NCSAM), we’ve compiled some key things to keep in mind to safeguard your information from hackers:
Be Aware
It may seem obvious, but creating a habit of regularly checking the privacy settings on various accounts and devices and consistently monitoring online accounts can catch suspicious activity early and reduce potential damage.³ Be aware of the various tactics hackers use such as phishing, home Wi-Fi hacking, and any third-party individuals with access to your information.
Use Strong Verification
Updating passwords on a consistent basis is a must for cyber-security awareness, as well as using multi-step verification, when possible.4 Strong passwords and hard-to-crack authentication layers can make you less vulnerable to hackers.5
Monitor Purchases
With the world of online banking and shopping, it is now easier than ever for hackers to steal personal and financial information. Guard yourself by keeping a keen eye on purchases and immediately reporting any suspicious account activity to your bank.
Your Information is Valuable– Insure It!
Safeguard your valuable information for personal or business accounts with Cyber Liability Insurance to ensure protection in the case of cyber-attacks. Cyber Liability Insurance covers issues resulting from personal information, such as your social security number, usernames, or bank account information being stolen and can also cover the extreme costs that may result from your business’ critical data being compromised. Insurance is for the things you value most in life, so why not insure your information?
At Penny Insurance Agency, we’re here to keep you and your information protected for your peace of mind. To speak with an advisor today about how we can help keep your information secure, please fill out our contact form or call us directly.
[1] CyberSmart: Understanding & Managing Cyber Threats to High Net Worth Individuals. Copyright 2015
[2] https://www.dni.gov/index.php
[3] https://staysafeonline.org/
[4] https://staysafeonline.org/
[5] https://staysafeonline.org/stay-safe-online/identity-theft-fraud-cybercrime/identity-theft-fraud/
About National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM)
National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online. Now in its 15th year, NCSAM was co-founded and is co-led by the Department of Homeland Security and the National Cyber Security Alliance, the nation’s leading nonprofit public-private partnership promoting the safe and secure use of the internet and digital privacy. Recognized annually in October, NCSAM involves the participation of a multitude of industry leaders ‒ mobilizing individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, nonprofits, academia, multinational corporations and governments. Encouraging digital citizens around the globe to STOP. THINK. CONNECT.™, NCSAM is harnessing the collective impact of its programs and resources to increase awareness about today’s ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. Visit the NCSAM media room: https://staysafeonline.org/resources/.