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Tips

Cybersecurity Tips

Kyle Gill, Information Security Officer
Kyle Gill, Information Security Officer

👁️‍🗨️At a Glance

As 2026 begins, here are some Cybersecurity tips to get you safely started at home and at work.

🛡️General

Install All System Updates
  • Apply the latest updates for Windows/macOS and all installed software.
  • Updates fix security vulnerabilities commonly exploited by attackers.
  • Tip: Enable automatic updates whenever possible.
Change Your Passwords
  • Update passwords for work accounts, VPNs, email, and cloud tools.
  • Use long, unique passphrases (12+ characters).
  • Never reuse work passwords on personal sites.
Enable Multi‑Factor Authentication (MFA)
  • Ensure MFA is enabled wherever supported (email, VPN, collaboration tools).
  • MFA blocks over 99% of account takeover attacks.
Review Installed Applications
  • Remove software you no longer use—especially freeware or browser add‑ons.
  • Fewer apps = fewer attack surfaces.
Be Phish‑Aware
  • Watch for urgent messages, unexpected attachments, or link-shortened URLs.

  • When in doubt, verify directly with the sender using a known contact method.

  • Report suspected phishing emails immediately.
Lock Your Screen
  • Lock your computer whenever you step away—even at home.
  • Prevents unauthorized access and accidental data exposure.

📱Mobile Devices

Update Your Device OS and Apps
  • Keep iOS/Android and apps fully updated.
  • Mobile devices are increasingly targeted by threat actors.
Use a Strong Device Lock
  • Enable a strong PIN, passcode, fingerprint, or face recognition.
  • Avoid simple codes like 123456 or 0000.
Enable Device Encryption
  • Ensure full-device encryption is turned on (enabled by default on most modern devices).
  • Protects company data if the device is lost or stolen.
Review App Permissions
  • Remove apps you no longer use.
  • Limit permissions such as access to contacts, camera, microphone, and location.
Turn On “Find My Device”
  • Enables remote location, lock, or wipe if your device is lost.
  • Critical for protecting company data.

🏠Home Network

Change Your Router’s Default Password
  • Replace default admin credentials with a strong, unique password.
  • Default router passwords are publicly known and widely abused.
Update Router Firmware
  • Check for and install firmware updates on your home router.
  • Outdated routers are a common entry point for attackers.
Use Strong Wi‑Fi Security
  • Enable WPA3 or WPA2‑AES encryption.
  • Avoid outdated standards like WEP or WPA.
Secure Your Wi‑Fi Network Name (SSID)
  • Don’t include personal information (name, address, employer).
  • Consider turning off SSID broadcasting if supported.
Separate Work and Smart Devices
  • Keep work computers/phones on a different network from smart TVs, cameras, or IoT devices when possible.
  • Reduces risk of lateral attacks. 

✨Best Practices

Back Up Important Data
  • Ensure work files are stored in approved company cloud services.
  • Protects against ransomware and device failure.
Know How to Report Issues
  • Save the IT/security contact information.
  • Report lost devices, suspicious emails, or unusual activity immediately.
Refresh Your Security Awareness
  • Review company security policies and annual training.
  • Threats evolve—so should our awareness.
Pause Before You Click
  • Cybersecurity isn’t just tools—it’s habits.
  • Slowing down for 5 seconds can prevent a major incident.

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