Top 10 tricks to protect yourself from cyber crime

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October is normally associated with Halloween and ghosts and goblins, but for the last 10 years it’s been National Cyber Security Awareness month.

As evidenced by the rising number of successful attacks against high-profile targets, cyber crime is on the rise.

With that in mind, here are OpenDNS’ top 10 cyber security tips and tricks to protect yourself.

1. Realize that you are an attractive target to hackers. Don’t ever say “it won’t happen to me.”
2. Practice good password management. Use a strong mix of characters, and don’t use the same password for multiple sites. Don’t share your password with others, don’t write it down, and definitely don’t write it on a sticky note attached to your monitor.
3. Never leave your devices unattended. Take your tablet or phone with you. If you need to leave your computer for any length of time  ̶  no matter how short  ̶  lock it up so no one can use it while you’re gone. If you keep sensitive information on a flash drive or external hard drive, make sure to lock it up as well.
4. Always be careful when clicking on attachments or links in email. If it’s unexpected or suspicious for any reason, don’t click on it. Double check the URL of the website the link takes you to: bad actors will often take advantage of spelling mistakes to direct you to a harmful domain. Think you can spot a phony website? Try the OpenDNS phishing quiz.
5. Sensitive browsing, such as banking or shopping, should be done only on a device that belongs to you, on a network that you trust. Whether it’s a friend’s phone, a public computer or a cafe’s free WiFi  ̶  your data could be copied or stolen.
6. Back up your data regularly, and make sure your anti-virus software is always up to date.
7. Be conscientious of what you plug in to your computer. Malware can be spread through infected flash drives, external hard drives and even smartphones.
8. Watch what you’re sharing on social networks. Criminals can befriend you and easily gain access to a shocking amount of information ̶ where you go to school, where you work, when you’re on vacation  ̶  that could help them gain access to more valuable data.
9. Offline, be wary of social engineering, where someone attempts to gain information from you through manipulation. If someone calls or emails you asking for sensitive information, it’s OK to say no. You can always call the company directly to verify credentials before giving out any information.
10. Be sure to monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity. If you see something unfamiliar, it could be a sign that you’ve been compromised

Cyber security attacks can be scary, but the more safeguards the better. Make cyber security a habit, not just in October. For more information on how to practice cyber security during National Cyber Security Awareness Month and throughout the year, visit Stop.Think.Connect.

Cyber insurance coverage is available to protect you or your business from the financial consequences of cyber crime; contact your local independent insurance agent for information appropriate for your state and situation.

By Helen Kyrios for The Cincinnati Insurance Companies

Maintain privacy through records disposal

Careful document disposal curbs identity theft.

Identity theft is a major problem that is growing each year. Criminals want to use your name, date of birth, Social Security number, and other personal or account information to steal your identity. You can minimize the chances of being an identity theft victim by using safe and secure methods to dispose of important, confidential, or sensitive paper or electronic media storage devices, such as computers, CDs, and flash drives.

Set a goal to keep your information secure and avoid identity theft by taking advantage of free community shred events to dispose of your information. These events take place throughout the year, particularly during the month of April to support Earth Day and the deadline to file income taxes. Listen to your local news, read your local paper, or search the Internet to find an event in your community. You can eliminate a major source of identity theft by participating in these events.

With all the publicity about identity theft — the fastest-growing consumer crime in the country — paying a few dollars a month to add a rider to your homeowner's policy, or as a stand-alone, may be worth considering if it will buy you peace of mind. Coverage typically costs from $20 to $100 a year, and covers some of the expenses you will incur as a result of dealing with identity theft. 

The shredded paper is recycled in an environmentally friendly way into secondary paper products such as paper towels and tissue. In addition, environmentally safe electronics recycling contributes toward a zero landfill goal. You’ll feel good about helping the environment in addition to protecting your identity. When choosing an electronic device recycler, look for e-Steward and R2 certifications. The vendor should be fully committed to data erasure and recycling efforts for e-waste.

Paper or electronic storage device disposal/recycling

Whether you’re shredding paper or having data from a defective or obsolete electronic device destroyed, make sure you choose a recycler that:

• follows the privacy laws and standards
• understands your data security needs
• uses the proper destruction methods for shredding or sanitization and disposal, based on your security needs
• is an environmentally friendly recycler

Submitted by Dawn Alcorn and Debi Baker