Reprinted from the Department of Homeland Security's monthly email update

Come October, you'll be seeing lots of communication from The Fulcrum Group focused on Cyber Security Awareness Month.  In our blog and monthly newsletter, we will be updating you with lots of great cyber security tips and things to know regarding safe behavior online for any users of your business network and your system's security in general.

September is National Preparedness Month, a chance to learn about protective measures to take before, during, and after a natural disaster or physical emergency.

Most people already know the basics of preparing for an emergency – stocking up on flashlights, batteries, and bottled water and establishing communication plans with family and friends – but being cyber prepared is just as important as preparing for a hurricane, flood, snowstorm, or fire. The Stop.Think.Connect.™ Campaign and Ready.gov encourage you to follow these cyber preparedness tips:

DO:

• Connect to the Internet over secure, password- protected networks.
• Limit who you share information with by reviewing the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
• Trust your gut; if you think an offer is too good to be true, then it probably is.

DO NOT:

• Click on links or pop-ups, open attachments, or respond to emails from strangers.
• Respond to requests for Personally Identifiable Information (PII); most organizations—including banks, universities, and companies—do not ask for your personal information over the Internet.
• Use the same password twice; choose a password that means something to you and you only, and change your passwords on a regular basis.

For more information on National Preparedness Month, visit Ready.gov/September.

For more information about what to do before, during, and after a cyberattack, please visit Ready.gov/Cyber-Attack. Learn more about safer online behavior at DHS.gov/StopThinkConnect.