June is Internet Safety Month

June has been designated as Internet Safety Month.  As more people are getting connected to the internet, it is now paramount to understand how to navigate the internet safely. This is especially true to those who are too young to understand the dangers.

According to a recent study by the Pew Research Center, 77% of adults now have a smart phone or similar device, compared to just 35% in 2011. In addition, many kids under 12 are now on portable devices increasing risk for malware. There are several tips you can follow to stay safe online, both in and out of the work place:[1]

• Watch what you share: Social media is a double edge sword. You can promote your business, but your company and your employees can post things that harm your reputation or open them to malicious actors.
• Lock down your logins: Change your passwords frequently or make it so only certain people can access it.
• Clean your computer out: Old files and apps can contain malicious software which can open your network up.
• Avoid Public Wi-Fi to do work: Public Wi-Fi is a necessary evil. However, using your computer on a public router can easily make them a target for hackers as they scout out places like Starbucks and other shops.
• Suspicious emails: If you think an email is suspicious or contains links in the email, Don’t Open It. They contain malware designed to wreck systems and steal information.

The most important thing is to be vigilant. Update your security and always keep your computer up to date with the latest patches and don’t be fooled by emails and texts telling you to proceed with a download.

[1] https://staysafeonline.org/press-release/stay-cyber-aware-internet-safety-month/