Think Beyond the Computer

When we think about defending ourselves from cybercrime, we need to think beyond the computer.

We must not think about cyber security as an IT issue because hackers focus their attacks on human vulnerabilities. Cyber security is about protecting data and devices.

There is no silver bullet to fix the problem.

Your network devices should be kitted with multiple layers of security, and your employees should be trained on how they are key to reducing your risk of cybercrime. A comprehensive plan includes technology and staff training to understand high risk behaviors. Here are the Top 5 tips for Internet security.

1. Use strong passwords. Secure passwords help protect your privacy and identity. Change them often. Don't share them. Best practice is to use a different password for each site. More information at https://ist.mit.edu/security/passwords

2. Be smart about email. Email is a key point of vulnerability targeted by hackers. Question the legitimacy of emails that ask for money or personal information. Your financial institutions, government offices and legitimate businesses will never do that by email. These email scams are called Phishing and their goal is to defraud an online account holder by posing as a legitimate organization.

3. Keep current. Stay up to date with software, especially your Operating System updates. Install the updates promptly because most updates are issued to secure a vulnerability recently discovered by a hacker. This includes Adobe Reader, Java, and other common tools used in the office environment.

4. Shop Smart. Before entering your credit card information online, check the URL to confirm you are at a HTTPS site (HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure). The 'S' at the end of HTTPS stands for 'Secure', and means all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted.

5. Public Wi-Fi is inherently insecure, so be extra cautious when connecting to public (free) Wi-Fi.

We highly recommend you restrict Internet access on a public Wi-Fi.

The best practice is to turn Wi-Fi off in public areas. The hardware in your device may be transmitting data between any networks within range. As an added bonus, you will get longer battery life with Wi-Fi turned off.

If you must work at the coffee shop, turn Wi-Fi off and work on local files and sync them later when you are back at the office.

Turn Wi-Fi off on your phone, too. Use the cellular network on your phone to check email and social media when you are in public areas. You may want to consider a mobile hot spot for secured Internet access away from the office.

With a mobile hot spot your mobile phone creates its own secure Wi-Fi network that can be used by your devices.

You are not helpless against cyber crime. With proper training and preparation you can significantly minimize the risks and impact of cybercrime to your data and devices.

• Deb Reiter is CEO and Chief Technology

Adviser of CMIT Solutions of The Tri-Cities

in Batavia. Contact her at dreiter@smitsoltuions.com.