I'm thrilled to introduce you to our new series, "Brilliance in the Basics." This 5-part series is designed to equip you with the essential cybersecurity tips that will fortify your digital life.
While the cyberspace may seem intimidating, understanding its fundamentals doesn't have to be. That's where "Brilliance in the Basics" comes in. Our goal is to make cybersecurity accessible, understandable, and most importantly, actionable for you.
What You Can Expect
Part 1 – Importance of Configuring 2-Factor Authentication
Learn about the added layer of security that is 2-Factor Authentication (2FA) and why it's critical in protecting your online accounts. The FTC recommends turning on 2FA and choosing an authenticator app or security key over text or email codes when you have the option.
Part 2 – Importance of Unique, Strong Passwords
Understand why having a unique, strong password for each account is more than just a good practice—it's a necessity. Learn how a password manager can help create and store strong passwords. The FTC's password guidance explains password managers, automatically generated passwords, and long passphrases made from random words.
Part 3 – Importance of Installing Updates
Delve into the significance of promptly updating your devices, and how it forms a key line of defense against cyber threats. The FTC recommends automatic updates for your operating system, browser, security software, and mobile apps because updates often include important security fixes.
Part 4 – Importance of Endpoint Protection
Discover how protecting your devices, from workstations to mobile devices, can help reduce the risk of malware. We'll explore antivirus software and other endpoint protection tools appropriate to your devices. The FTC's malware guidance explains the importance of keeping security software updated—and cautions that malware can sometimes go undetected even when security software is in use.
Part 5 – Importance of Data Backups/Data Redundancy
Find out why backing up your data and having redundancy measures in place can be a lifesaver in case of data loss or a cyber attack. We'll focus on recoverable backups, not just extra copies: keep an offline backup and test that you can restore your files. The FBI's key cyber defenses include offline, immutable backups and restoration testing.
Bonus – Importance of Freezing Your Credit
Learn about this tool for helping prevent an identity thief from opening new credit accounts in your name and why you should consider it. In the United States, you can freeze and unfreeze your credit reports for free, but you must contact Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion separately. A freeze limits access to your credit file; it isn't a blanket safeguard against every kind of identity theft. See the CFPB's credit-freeze guidance for how it works and when you may need to lift it to apply for credit.
The digital world is an integral part of our lives, and understanding its risks and safeguards is non-negotiable. Each post in the series will focus on one basic aspect of cybersecurity, explain its importance, and provide easy-to-follow steps on how you can implement it.
Remember, we're all in this together. We're all part of the digital world, and we all have a role to play in securing it.
Stay tuned as we embark on this cybersecurity journey together, and remember, it's not about becoming an overnight expert—it's about the brilliance in mastering the basics. Stay #CyberSmart!