Cybersecurity

There are four main ways to protect yourself against a cybersecurity attack:

1. Implement multi-factor authentication on your accounts.

This is a second layer of identification, like a confirmation text message or email, a code from an authentication app, a fingerprint or Face ID. Multi-factor authentication can make you 99% less likely to get hacked. Enable it on your email, social media, online shopping, financial services accounts, gaming and streaming entertainment services.

2. Update your software.

In fact, turn on automatic updates.   Bad actors will exploit flaws in the system. Update the operating system on your mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. And update your applications – especially the web browsers – on all your devices too. Leverage automatic updates for all devices, applications, and operating systems.

3. Think before you click.

More than 90% of successful cyber-attacks start with a phishing email.  A phishing scheme is when a link or webpage looks legitimate, but it’s a trick designed by bad actors to have you reveal sensitive information. Do not click links that you don’t recognize.

4. Use strong passwords or a password manager.

A password manager generates and stores unique passwords.

Learn how you can protect your family or business from a cybersecurity attack

Ransomware

Ransomware is a type of malware installed on a computer or server that encrypts the files, making them inaccessible until a specific ransom is paid.

Learn more about ransomware and what to do if you’re a victim

More tips for staying safe online

Think before you post

Don’t upload or share anything you wouldn’t want your parents, friends, teachers or future employers seeing. Once you post something, you lose control of it, especially if someone else screenshots or shares it.

Don’t share personal details

Keep this information private and check what's visible in your privacy settings:

• Address
• Phone number
• Full name
• School
• Date of birth

Remember that people can use small clues like a school logo in a photo to find out about you.

Watch out for phishing and scams

Phishing is when someone tries to trick you into giving them information, like your password. Never click links from emails or messages that ask you to log in or share your details. If you’re asked to log into a website, go directly through the app or site instead.

Think about who you’re talking to

There are lots of ways that people try to trick you into trusting them online. Even if you like and trust someone you’ve met online, never share personal information like your address, full name, or where you go to school.

Keep your device secure

Device and app updates include important security fixes. It’s good to make sure you regularly download updates for your:

• Phone, tablet, laptop and computer
• Apps and games
• Wearables, including fitness trackers and smart watches
• Smart devices and speakers like Alexa or Google Home

Each device is different, but you can usually find out how to enable updates in the settings.

It’s also important to use anti-virus software. You can get anti-virus software for mobiles as well as tablets, laptops and PCs. Make sure that you keep it updated.

Never give out your password

You should never give out your password or login information. Make sure you pick strong, hard-to-guess passwords.

Cover your webcam

Some viruses will let someone access your webcam without you knowing. Make sure you cover your webcam whenever you’re not using it.