National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM). NCSAM is a collaborative effort between DHS (Department of Homeland Security) and its public and private partners - including the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) - to raise awareness about the vital role cybersecurity plays in the lives of U.S. citizens, at home and at work.
Mobile Security
Apple and Android phones are vulnerable to hackers, just like our desktop and laptop computers. You don’t need to lose any sleep over this though. The manufacturers are constantly working for you and me. Their software developers “patch” the operating system and push critical security updates to our phones.
In the screenshot above, you will see how I have setup my Android Samsung Galaxy S7 to automatically apply the security patches.
In the Security Policy Updates screen I turn on the AUTO UPDATE feature and select WIFI ONLY. The update will download when I am on a secure WIFI internet connection to avoid data charges and assure a solid connection for uninterrupted internet connection.
In the Security Policy Updates screen I turn on the AUTO UPDATE feature and select WIFI ONLY. The update will download when I am on a secure WIFI internet connection to avoid data charges and assure a solid connection for uninterrupted internet connection.
Get Your Apps at the Store
A rule of thumb to share with everyone in your office and at home – DO NOT install an app that is not in the Google Play Store or the Apple iTunes store.
Google and Apple only offer apps that they have verified to be legitimate and free of harm to your device.
Google and Apple only offer apps that they have verified to be legitimate and free of harm to your device.
Block Installations from Unknown Sources
In your Android security settings verify that the Unknown Sources is set to OFF, which will block unverified apps from installing on your mobile device. Here is my Samsung Galaxy S7 setting.
Protect Your Personal Information on Apple and Android
- Secure your devices with strong passwords, security questions/answers, fingerprint/retinal scan. Here's a comprehensive list of leading social channels and their 2-step verification.
- Be thoughtful about who / what app you allow to access information about your online habits
- Review your privacy settings (see above)
- Turn off WiFi and Bluetooth when away from home. These are “open doors” for the baddies to reach your personal information.
- If you need to use public WIFI or a hotspot do not log in to key accounts like email or banking systems.
- Scams through text and voicemail are on the rise. As with email, when in doubt, don’t respond. DELETE or BLOCK CONTACT
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