It’s no secret that cyber-attacks and data breaches have become increasingly common over the past few years. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center, data breaches increased 40 percent in 2016, with a total of 1,093 reported breaches. This trend continued in 2017, with over 1,120 cases reported in October. Cybercriminals don’t rest, which is why need your help.
You are our best line of defense against cybercriminals, and your actions directly impact our cyber security. While cyber security is a complex topic that can’t be learned overnight, there are a few cyber security basics we want to help you learn now.
What You Need to Know
A data breach or cyber attack can come in a number of forms, but generally, it’s characterized by a third party gaining access to improperly secured information through theft, the internet, lost documents, or a compromised computer or device. There are a handful of different types of cyberattacks, which include the following:
- Malware: Malicious software that infects your device in order to extract sensitive information or cripple its functions to hold you or your device hostage
- Phishing: Scam where a hacker poses as a service provider and tries to get you to provide your username and password to your company’s login or access your personal information
- Brute force (password) attack: A trial-and-error method used to obtain information such as a user password or personal identification number
- Denial-of-service attack: Prevents you from accessing email, websites, online accounts or the network by overwhelming the network with information
What You Can Do
Do your part to help protect our company from a cyber attack. Keep the following five tips in mind at all times:
- Use email safely. This includes never opening or downloading attachments from an unknown sender and setting up a spam filter in your inbox.
- Follow safe password guidelines. This includes creating a password that is at least 8 characters. Try using long phrases instead of strings of numbers and symbols.
- Never click on questionable links. If you’re not 100 percent sure a link is safe, don’t click on it!
- Don’t install anything on company computers. Never install or download software to your computer without receiving prior go-ahead from a manager or member of the IT team.
- Speak up! Never be afraid to ask for help if you feel you are in a cyber attack situation.
Cyber security can be complex and confusing, but that’s why we’re here. Don’t hesitate to ask for more information on how you can make our company more cyber safe.
We’re Here to Help!
As the business world becomes more connected, cyber threats will get more sophisticated and commonplace. Start educating employees about cybersecurity today to better protect your organization. We at Boyd Insurance & Investments take pride in our reputation for outstanding service to our clients, providing them with competitive pricing for the best products to meet their insurance needs. Our agents are knowledgeable and will help navigate your policies with you. Call (941) 745-8300 or contact us if you have any additional questions!
