Your Guide to Staying Safe Online— Without All the Jargon. Here are 10 cybersecurity tips every employee should know to keep your organization safe from cyber villains.
1. Unlock Strong Passwords
Think of your passwords like a toothbrush: unique and unshareable! Use a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols to create a strong, unique password for each account. Here’s a pro tip: Try a password manager to keep track of them all!
- Quick Tip: Avoid obvious ones like "1234" or "password." (Yes, even if it’s your favorite!)
2. Double Up with Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds an extra layer of security by requiring something you know (your password) and something you have (like a text message code). So, even if a hacker cracks your password, they still can’t get in.
- Quick Tip: Activate MFA on your email, work apps, and cloud services for ultimate peace of mind.
3. Be the Phishing Detective
Phishing emails are like wolves in sheep’s clothing—tricky to spot and dangerous if you take the bait. Keep an eye out for suspicious email addresses, urgent requests, and weird links. If something feels off, report it to your IT team!
- Fun Challenge: Can you spot a phishing email? Look for spelling errors, odd URLs, and unexpected attachments!
4. Update Like a Pro
Think of software updates as the power-ups in a video game. They patch up security gaps and protect you from new threats. Don’t skip them! Set your devices to auto-update and enjoy the perks of being ahead in the cybersecurity game.
- Quick Tip: Schedule updates for after work hours to avoid interruptions.
5. Guard Your Wi-Fi Fortress
Public Wi-Fi might be convenient, but it’s a playground for hackers. Avoid accessing sensitive work data on open networks. When you must use public Wi-Fi, connect through a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to keep your information private.
- Quick Tip: Only use “https” websites on public Wi-Fi—look for the padlock icon in the browser!
6. Lock Your Screen
Stepping away for coffee? Don’t leave your computer open to snoopers! Compromised Employee Credentials Put Your Organization’s Security at Risk. A simple Ctrl + Alt + Del (Windows) or Command + Control + Q (Mac) locks your screen and keeps prying eyes away.
- Quick Tip: Set up an auto-lock on your devices after a few minutes of inactivity. It’s like a free security upgrade!
7. Keep Work and Personal Separate
Your work devices aren’t for downloading games, checking personal emails, or shopping for that new plant (no judgment!). Keeping work and personal activities separate reduces the risk of malware and other security issues.
- Quick Tip: Use your work email only for work-related activities to avoid spam and phishing attempts.
8. Say No to Suspicious Downloads
Found a free software tool online? It might be too good to be true. Avoid downloading software from unknown sources; they could be hiding malware. Always check with your IT team before installing new programs.
- Quick Tip: Check for reputable sources, and stick to official app stores whenever possible.
9. Stay Smart About Cloud Security
Saving files in the cloud is convenient, but make sure they’re protected. Use encryption, set permissions wisely, and keep a close eye on who has access.
- Quick Tip: Regularly audit your cloud files to remove unnecessary access and reduce security risks.
10. Be Ready to Report
If something looks fishy (or phishy!), say something. Reporting suspicious emails, messages, or activity to your IT team helps everyone stay safe.
- Quick Tip: There are no silly questions in cybersecurity. Better to report something suspicious than ignore it.
Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. By following these simple tips, you’re playing an essential role in keeping your organization safe.
Want more tips? Download our Cloud Security Best Practices Checklist for a complete guide to securing your work environment.
For educational institutions, download our white paper, Securing the Future: How Schools and Districts Stay One Step Ahead of Cyber Threats.'This resource dives into the risks schools face and provides actionable steps for safeguarding against cyber threats.
