Mobile devices

The Department of Homeland Security suggests five best practices to safeguard important work and personal information from others as part of its “Stop. Think. Connect.” campaign. Since October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month, the department recommends:

When in doubt, throw it out – Cyber criminals can use email, instant messages and online posts to access information they want through your computer, so don’t open attachments or links from people you don’t know.

Back it up – Viruses, malware, computer malfunctions and theft can destroy your work, so make electronic or physical backups.

Guard your devices – Prevent theft by locking your laptop or mobile device when they are not in use, and never leave them unattended in a public place.

Secure your accounts – Use passwords that are at least eight characters long, with a mix of numbers, letters and special characters. Don’t share user names with colleagues. When possible, use stronger authentication for security above and beyond a password.

Report anything suspicious – Notify your tech department if you experience unusual problems with your computer or mobile device.

For more helpful information, see the Stop. Think. Connect. Toolkit and visit staysafeonline.org.