HIPAA Security: Create security checklist Q. What are some basic steps I can take to reduce a cyber attack?
By Ebba Blitz
Updated Fri October 20, 2017
A. October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month. It is the perfect time to evaluate your own data breach risk.
Don't leave the “keys on your doorstep”—Encrypt your hard drive. This will protect all information stored on your computer.
Login passwords stored in your browser—Sensitive data isn't only stored on devices directly but is often accessible via online storage services that allow users to remotely access company data in the cloud. However, if you have clicked “remember my password,” an unencrypted device will show your password to a perpetrator in clear text.
Patching—All your devices and systems need to be current and updated. The easiest way to stay updated is to simply turn on automatic updates for your devices.
Antivirus—Just like you wouldn't let termites eat up your house, you should have antivirus installed. Just realize it doesn't protect you from everything!
Passwords—These are the keys to your house. Yes, it bugs us that there are so many and that we need to remember them all. One easy solution is to try to think of a passphrase. “I love that my dog has four legs!” would result in Iltmdh4l! - upper case, lower case, a number and a special sign. And it's easy to remember.
Authentication—Apply two-factor authentication for secure access to cloud or network data.
When in doubt, throw it out —Take a moment before you click on ANYTHING. Check the sender's URL before clicking. If it looks bad, it probably is. Delete and mark as junk.
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