Midland, Michigan - The Midland County Internet Connectivity Committee in collaboration with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) and National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) will promote the 2022 theme, See Yourself in Cyber. This is an effort to ensure all individuals and organizations make smart decisions to protect themselves from online threats at work, school and at home.
Since 2004, the government and private industry collaborates in October to raise awareness of digital security and empower users with safe practices to protect their information while online. Below are 4 things that internet users can do to keep their information safe online:
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Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): This is a security measure, also known as two-factor authentication, that requires anyone logging into an account to navigate a two-step process to prove their identity. It makes it more difficult for those with bad intentions to access an online account. When it’s available, always turn this feature on.
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Use Strong Passwords: Passwords should be at least 12 characters long, unique to each website (never re-use the same password on multiple websites) and complex, a combination of numbers, upper and lower case as well as special characters.
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Recognize and Report Phishing: This is when criminals use fake emails, social media posts and direct messaging to lure users into clicking on a bad link or opening a harmful attachment. Phishing would enable hackers to download programs or install malware onto your device that can put your personal information at risk. Best practice, if the message looks too good to be true, has an urgent or threatening tone, has misspellings, requests personal information or if the email address does not match the business or person – don’t click on it! Learn more about how to recognize phishing here.
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Update Your Software: A simple way to keep your information secure is to keep your software and apps up to date. When updating software, only utilize the updates from the company that created it and set up automatic updates when available.
For regular cybersecurity and technology updates, follow MiTCON, LLC’s Facebook page. MiTCON, a division of the MBA, is a consortium-based IT service providing comprehensive technology solutions for non-profit organizations and small businesses throughout the Great Lakes Bay Region.
