Fortify Your Defenses: Best Practices Against Cyber Threats

In an era where cyber criminals employ increasingly sophisticated tactics, safeguarding your information is more crucial than ever. Threats range from deceptive websites and AI-driven voice cloning to fraudulent QR codes and conventional phishing attempts via email, calls, or texts.

Recognizing the escalating cyber risks, the White House designated November as Critical Infrastructure Security and Resilience Month on October 31, 2023. You can ensure your online safety by learning proactive cybersecurity measures.

• Utilize robust passwords, updating them regularly.
• Keep software current and employ anti-malware protection.
• Exercise caution and avoid clicking on suspicious links or pop-ups.

• Stay informed about cybersecurity developments, especially if organizations you engage with are targeted.
• Exercise caution with unknown caller IDs, websites, and text messages, as they might be phishing attempts.
• Verify URLs to ensure legitimacy, as scammers often mimic authentic organization websites.
• Refrain from sending money through cryptocurrency, gift cards, or money transfers, as legitimate organizations won't demand payment through these channels.
• Never share personal financial information in response to unsolicited calls, emails, or texts.

• Be vigilant against malicious QR codes used by scammers for phishing campaigns.
• Avoid scanning unfamiliar QR codes to prevent redirection to phishing sites.

• Refrain from disclosing personal information, as voice recordings can compromise your accounts.
• Hang up and contact the company directly using the official number listed on their website.

Ensure your data's protection every month by adhering to these protocols and fortifying your defenses against malicious actors. You can read more about cybersecurity best practices by visiting the Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency's (CISA) website here, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) here.