Author: Buster Johnson

Cyber Security Tip #6: Encrypt Your Data With major data breaches being reported all too frequently, organizations are now placing increased emphasis on security of personal, private and sensitive information. One method of increasing security is through data encryption. Encryption is the process of scrambling a message or data so that no one but the sender and the intended recipient can read it. Encryption solutions generally encompass two types: hardware and software. Examples of hardware encryption include a pre-encrypted USB device or hard drive; software encryption consists of a program installed on a machine that encrypts some or all of the data on the system. A variety of encryption tools are available on online. It is important to note that any solution you implement should be compliant with accepted industry standards. It is recommended that you should minimally employ a 128-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) solution. For more information on data encryption, please check out the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center website at:http://msisac.cisecurity.org/newsletters/documents/2012-09MSISAC.pdf

Cyber Security Tip #5: Protecting Yourself on a Public Computer If you access the Internet from a shared computer, make sure you don’t leave anything behind Being able to access the Internet from different locations — the library, a computer lab at school, an Internet cafe — is a great convenience, but it can also pose a security risk to personal information. If you do access the Internet from a shared computer, here are a few things you need to remember. 1. Don’t check the “remember my password” box. 2. When you’re done, make sure you log off completely by clicking the “log off” button before you walk away. 3. If possible, clear the browser cache and history. 4. Never leave the computer unattended while you’re logged in. 5. Trash all documents you used, and empty the recycle bin.

Cyber Security Tip #4: Five cyber security tips everyone should be aware of. 1. If you don’t understand the warning message, say no. It’s easier to go back and say yes if you need to than be sorry and have to rebuild your machine. 2. Certificates: If you don’t understand a website certificate message, say no. It is easier to go back and say yes if you need to than be sorry and have to rebuild your credit. 3. Antivirus: Running antivirus does not slow your computer down nearly as much as a virus does. 4. Back-up: Backing up your data may seem like a waste of time — er, until you spill coffee all over your laptop. 5. Passwords: Writing down your password around your desk is about as secure as leaving a $20 bill lying on the dashboard of your car. How well do you trust anyone these days?

Cyber Security Tip #3: Protect Your Children Online It is important to talk to your children about online safety and let them know that you can be approached with questions about behaviors or problems that they may encounter when online. Parents can teach their children how to safely use a computer and the Internet. The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center listed some simple steps that parents can take to help reduce security risk to children. They are: • Keep your computer in a central and open location in your home and be aware of other computers your child may be using. • Discuss and set guidelines and rules for computer use with your child. Post these rules by the computer as a reminder. • Use the Internet with your child. Familiarize yourself with your child’s online activities and maintain a dialogue with your child about what applications they are using. • Implement parental control tools that are provided by some Internet Service Providers and available for purchase as separate software packages. • Consider using software that allows you to monitor your child’s e-mail and Web traffic.