Put on Your Digital Hard Hat for Cybersecurity Awareness Month

At Turner Industries, safety is built into everything we do. Just as we wear hard hats, safety glasses, and ear plugs to protect ourselves from physical hazards on the jobsite, we must also rely on digital safeguards to protect our data. October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, making it the ideal time to review your online habits and ensure you’re taking the necessary steps to protect against cyber threats.

Phishing: Don’t Get Hooked

Phishing scams are one of the most common cyberattacks. These fraudulent attempts often come in the form of emails, texts, or calls that trick you into revealing sensitive information like your passwords or credit card numbers.

• Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls. If you’re unsure about the sender, don’t click on any links or open any attachments.
• Hover over links to verify their authenticity. Before clicking on a link, hover over it with your mouse to see the actual URL. If it looks suspicious, don’t click it.
• Don’t open attachments from unknown or suspicious senders. Viruses and malware can be hidden in attachments. If you’re not expecting an email from someone, it’s best to delete it without opening it.
• Report any suspected phishing attempts to IT or security personnel. If you believe you may have been the victim of a phishing scam, report it to your IT department or security team immediately.

Password Security: A Strong Foundation

Strong passwords are essential for protecting your online accounts. Here are some tips for creating and managing strong passwords:

• Use strong, unique passwords for each account. Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
• Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or pet names. Hackers often use this information to crack passwords.
• Consider using a passphrase instead of a single word. Passphrases are longer and more difficult to guess.
• Use a password manager to securely store and generate complex passwords. A password manager can help you create and manage strong, unique passwords for all of your accounts.

Multi-Factor Authentication: A Must

Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts. By requiring you to provide two or more forms of identification, MFA makes it much harder for hackers to gain unauthorized access to your accounts.

• Enable MFA for all accounts where it is offered. This is a simple but effective way to protect your accounts from unauthorized access.
• Common types of MFA include SMS codes, authenticator apps, and biometrics. Choose the method that works best for you.

AI and Privacy: A Delicate Balance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming increasingly prevalent in our daily lives. While AI can offer many benefits, it also raises concerns about privacy. Many AI tools collect and use personal data, which can lead to privacy risks.

• Be aware of the privacy implications of using AI tools. Read the privacy policies of any AI tools you use to understand how your data is being collected and used.
• Limit the amount of personal information you share with AI tools. Only share the information that is necessary for the tool to function.

Software Updates: Don’t Fall Behind

Software updates often include security patches that can help protect your devices from vulnerabilities. Make sure you keep your software up to date.

• Enable automatic updates whenever possible. This will ensure that your software is always patched with the latest security updates.
• Don’t ignore update notifications. If you see a notification that an update is available, install it as soon as possible.

By following these best practices, you can help protect yourself from cyber threats and ensure the security of your online accounts.

For more information, contact itsecurity@turner-industries.com.