Cybersecurity Awareness Tip 15: Check Your Cybersecurity Preparedness Annually

Auld Lang Syne

The end of the year is a good time to reflect on the past, and look forward to the future. It's also a good time to check your cybersecurity.  New threats emerge constantly. Google recently announced it's tracking 270 state-sponsored hacker groups from over 50 countries. But there is some good news: Ransomware Hackers Who Attacked Over 100 Companies Arrested in Ukraine.

New threats target all platforms. All. Platforms. HowToGeek suggests you don't need antivirus protection on your iPhone because malware on iOS is rare by design.  Antivirus BitDefender reminds us that iOS isn't safe either.

South Florida Seasons: Summer and Hurricane

In South Florida, many use a checklist to prepare for hurricane season each year (our other season is summer).  Even though the threat of cybersecurity attacks are constant, schedule a reminder to check your cybersecurity preparedness at least annually. Schedule it a calendar that you're sure to see and remember to take action.

SwampGeek Recommends...

SwampGeek recommends (without affiliate or any other compensation):

1. Is your personal info on the dark web?
   • Experian's Free Dark Web Scan
   • Have I Been Pwned?
2. Review, reset passwords and implement multi-factor authentication where possible)
   • LastPass Dark Web Monitoring
   • LastPass Security Check-up
3. Make sure your software and browser plugins are updated automatically and often
   • On all devices
   • Remove unused software and browser plugins
4. Review mobile app permissions and remove unused apps
5. Check your anti-malware strategy
   • Beware of anti-virus vendors selling solutions you might not need - and software vendors advertise their wares on technology websites and magazines...
   • TechRadar List of Best Ransomware Protection
   • PC Magazine's Best Ransomeware Protection for 2021
   • PC Magazine's Best Security Suites for 2021
6. Check your backup strategy
   • Make sure backups are running correctly on all devices
   • Use an online backup (or multiple) to prevent loss from theft or natural disaster and can help protect against ransomware
   • Encrypt confidential files on device before backing up
   • SwampGeek recommends (without affiliate or any other compensation):
     • pCloud (also good for file sharing, can automatically backup photos from your smart phone)
     • IDrive (supports local backups and sync with other systems on the same networrk, can automatically backup photos from your smart phone)
     • Look for significant discounts the week of US Thanksgiving holiday
7. Review your social media, instant messenger, text and email privacy and security settings
   • Personal information available to the public can be used in phishing attacks - make sure your posts aren't public (this includes Venmo!)
8. Review your financial account security, privacy and notification settings
   • Use credit card alerts to detect fraud and to protect your identity
   • Find other ways to prevent credit card fraud

Resources

Free Online Security Check Ups and Tools