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This week we focus on

Our theme this week is:  Staying Cyber Safe in a Mobile World.  There’s no doubt that our digital world has become increasingly mobile in the past few years.  The challenge is, how do we identify the risks associated with mobile devices and what steps do we take to minimise these risks? We want you to be able to make the most of technology at all times, including when you travel, so what’s the answer?  And that’s the goal of this week – to try and help you learn what the risks are and what you can do to keep yourself, and the personal information travelling with you, safe.  Consider:

•  Mobile devices tend not to be updated as often as corporate computers where we have administrators actively manage system updates.
•  Mobile devices often aren’t secured as well as they should be.  For example, how many of you have a pass-code on your mobile phone or tablet.  C’mon now, be honest…  :^)
•  How secure is the data stored on mobile devices?  Is it encrypted? 

Our mobile devices are increasingly interfacing with our corporate infrastructure so we need to help you ensure that you’re taking all the steps necessary to be safe when you’re on the move.  And that is what this week is about.

We're here to help!

We've got a few more resources to help you stay cyber safe while on the move - check them out, there's some great information there:

• The biggest risk in the mobile space isn’t “hacked” devices, it’s LOST devices.  The infographic on the right explains about the “Honeystick” project, where researchers left devices out for people to find and then tracked what they did with them.
• A newsletter from the SANS Institute entitled "Staying Secure on the Road".  It has some great tips for staying cyber safe when travelling.
• BC’s Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner has produced an excellent guidance document  that has some good, basic information on how you can safeguard personal information while you’re away from the office.

steps everyone must take to Protect IT.

By 2020, there will be an estimated 24 billion internet-connected devices globally – which is more than four devices for every person. Across the board, consumers have an increased understanding about the importance of privacy and want to know how their information and is being used and protected. As businesses learn to extract value from and utilize data at a deeper level, it is essential for organisations to be extremely conscientious about protecting personal information. Respecting consumers’ privacy is a smart strategy for inspiring trust and enhancing reputation and growth. 

Simple Steps to Protect IT:

• If You Connect, You Must Protect.It is absolutely essential to update to the latest security software, web browser and operating systems. Turn on automatic updates and protect your devices with antivirus software.
• Stay Protected While Connected. Before you connect to any public wireless hotspot – like at an airport, hotel or café – be sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate. If you do use an unsecured public access point, practice good internet hygiene by avoiding sensitive activities (e.g., banking) that require passwords or credit cards. Your personal hotspot is often a safer alternative to free Wi-Fi. Only use sites that begin with “https://” when online shopping or banking.
• If You Collect It, Protect It. It is vital that businesses of all sizes keep business and client information safe. Follow reasonable security measures to keep individuals’ personal information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access.

Suggested Links

• Microsoft Online Safety    https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/digital-skills/online-safety-resources  Lots of really good information here – everything from protecting yourself and your systems to protecting your children and teens.
• Hacking Starbucks Wi-Fi  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7HkIwbj3CM   Yes, it’s a bit long (22 min) BUT it’s not nearly as technical as you might think. It’s a great demo about why you need to be careful on public Wi-Fi.  
• SonicWall’s Phishing IQ    https://www.sonicwall.com/phishing-iq-test/   Online quiz where you test your ability to spot phishing emails.  Great way to keep your skills sharp!
• The OpenDNS Phishing Website Quiz:   https://www.opendns.com/phishing-quiz/  Test your ability to spot fake websites.  This one can be an eye-opener!

Great Reading

Stay Safe on the Road Some really good tips on staying cyber safe while travelling.

Cyber Secure Home.  Steps you can take to help make your home cyber secure.

Holiday Shopping Info Graphic  Holiday shopping time is almost upon us.  Here’s few tips to help keep you safe and protect your information. 

Honey Stick Project  Ever find a lost cell phone or USB stick?  Did you look at the data on it?  Well,  you’re not alone…

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Phishing Fact Sheet.  The seven common clues you can use to help detect a phishing attack.