| Stop-Think-Connect is the Golden Rule when using any device connected to the Internet. Bay County wants you to be aware and give you the knowledge to keep yourself protected. Below are some tips to keep yourself and your devices secure. |
Don't Post That You're Away From Home
When you post that you are on vacation, or when you "Check-In" to your favorite meeting place, that tells others not only where you are, but also that you're not home. Your friends aren't the only ones who'd like to know where you are. Thieves and stalkers do too. Resist the urge to tell all!
Protect Your Personal Information
Phones can contain tremendous amounts of personal information. Lost or stolen devices can be used to gather information about you and potentially others. Protect your phone like you would your computer.
Secure your phone: Use a strong passcode to lock your phone.
Think before you app: Review the privacy policy and understand what data (location, access to your social networks) the app can access on your device before you download.
What Are Some Tips to Avoid Viruses and Lessen Their Impact?
Install anti-virus software from a reputable vendor. Update it and use it regularly.
In addition to scanning for viruses on a regular basis, install an "on access" scanner (included in most anti-virus software packages) and configure it to start each time you start up your computer. This will protect your system by checking for viruses each time you run an executable file.
Use a virus scan before you open any new programs or files that may contain executable code. This includes packaged software that you buy from the store as well as any program you might download from the Internet.
If you are a member of an online community or chat room, be very careful about accepting files or clicking links that you find, or that people send you within the community.
Make sure you back up your data (documents, bookmark files, important email messages, etc.) on disc, so that in the event of a virus infection, you do not lose valuable work.
Ransomware:
A growing number of cyber criminal organizations are using deceptive links and websites to install malicious software which can hold your "stuff" for ransom. Infected machines display messages which demand payment in order to restore functionality. Recent attacks have encrypted files and prevent you from opening them. Here's what you need to know:
- These attacks, sometimes known as "ransomware," deploy malicious software which can disable the functionality of your computer.
- To avoid getting infected, ensure your computer's software and anti-virus definitions are up-to-date and avoid suspicious sites.
- Don't click links within emails that you are not expecting.
- If your machine is already infected, do not pay the ransom.
Resources:
U.S. Department of Homeland Security- Stop-Think-Connect Campaign