With credit card transactions, the migration of hardcopies to digital files and even simple online communication, virtually everyone utilizes computers. As legitimate commerce transitions from the physical realm to cyberspace so do crafty criminals.
Brian MacFee of Secure Systems Corporation (SSC) based in Marshfield, MA put together a list of simple practices that employers and employees can begin utilizing to become part of the top 3-5% of computer users least likely to be victimized by hackers and cyber-attacks.
Strong Passwords
Hackers can crack simple passwords in just minutes. Don’t make their job easy. MacFee recommends creating passwords that are at least 10 characters and feature a mix of numbers and symbols as well as uppercase and lowercase letters. Replace passwords at least once every four months.
Secure Email Providers
Email is the fastest growing method of infiltrations for hackers. The security of free services like Yahoo, Hotmail and AOL usually reflect their price. Keep your sensitive conversations private with more robust email clients like Microsoft Office 365.
Best Practice for Reading Email
Check the email address of the person communicating with your before you open their message instead of simply reading the subject. Fake emails from FedEx, UPS and other shipping providers are common and increase in frequency around the holiday season. An authentic email will have a legitimate domain name (ex: @ups.com).
Never open an attachment in an email unless it’s from someone you know. The damage caused from malicious attachments could turn your laptop, smartphone or other device into an expensive paper weight.
MacFee also reminds us that these tips come with no guarantee but are helpful guidelines when considering how to approach basic cyber security. He concisely sums up his philosophy in a seasonally appropriate rule of thumb, “Hackers are like vampires. They have to be invited in to do any damage. Remove the welcome mat from your digital environment with strong passwords and secure email providers. Keep the door closed by avoiding sketchy emails and attachments.”
If it is too late for these precautions and your system is already infected, professionals like the team at SSC can provide a virtual wooden stake of sorts to get you up and running again.
Systems Support Corporation, located at 462 Plain Street, Suite 206,
Marshfield, MA 02050 delivers first-class computer support to companies aiming to increase productivity and efficiency. With a comprehensive approach to network services, Systems Support are a single source for all things IT.
For more information, visit https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/1/embed?mid=19l3doOuKBRcIu2t37DqICUSBiB2Znbfw or call (781) 837-0069.
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