TIP 1 - You are a target to hackers

• Don't ever say, "It won't happen to me." We are all at risk and the stakes are high - both for your personal and financial well-being. Cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility.

TIP 2 - Keep software up-to-date

• Turn on Automatic Updates for your operating system. Use web browsers such as Chrome or Firefox that receive frequent, automatic security updates.

TIP 3 - Avoid Phishing scams - beware of suspicious emails and phone calls

• Be suspicious of any official-looking email message or phone call that asks for personal or financial information.

TIP 4 - Practice good password management

• We all have too many passwords to manage - and it's easy to take short-cuts, like reusing the same password.  

TIP 5 - Be careful what you click

• If attachments or links in the email are unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don't click on it.

TIP 6 - Never leave devices unattended

• The physical security of your devices is just as important as their technical security.  If you need to leave your laptop, phone, or tablet for any length of time - lock it up so no one else can use it.  For desktop computers, lock your screen or shut-down the system when not in use.

TIP 7 - Safeguard Protected Data

• Be aware of Protected Data that you come into contact with and its associated restrictions. Securely remove sensitive data files from your system when they are no longer needed. Always use encryption when storing or transmitting sensitive data

TIP 8 - Use mobile devices safely

• Considering how much we rely on our mobile devices and how susceptible they are to attack, you'll want to make sure you are protected.

TIP 9 - Install antivirus/anti-malware protection

• Only install these programs from a known and trusted source. Keep virus definitions, engines and software up-to-date to ensure your programs remains effective.

TIP 10 - Back up your data

• Back up regularly - if you are a victim of a security incident, the only guaranteed way to repair your computer is to erase and re-install the system.

TIP 11 – Training and Awareness

• Staff training and awareness is equally important as having the relevant technical security in place. Staff should feel comfortable questioning anything which feels suspicious, even if it turns out to be legitimate.

TIP 12 – Plan

• Plan for an attack - identify your critical assets and have a response plan.