Stay safe online this Black Friday with our security tips for all shoppers
Blog by Daniella Smith | Posted on Friday November 23 2018
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Black Friday sales are being targeted for cyber-crime.
UK National Cyber Security Centre warnings are to retailers & shoppers highlighting the risk of ‘malicious’ online threats in the run-up to the Christmas shopping season.
Ian Levy of the cyber-agency said “It’s vital that knowledge is shared,” advising a ‘national cyber-chat’:
“With so many of the UK shopping online, we want to see [security] tips shared from classrooms and scout groups to family dinner tables and old people’s homes.”
Recent news has discussed the shortfall in the UK’s cyber security strategy, with MPs warning that the UK is ‘wholly unprepared’ to stop cyber attacks. With this in mind, we all need to do what we can to protect ourselves online by making sensible security behaviour second nature. This should help to hinder the efforts of hackers and make life more difficult for them, and make us all safer as we use the web.
Fact is, data breaches on average cost about £3m, so it’s really important to take all the steps you can to reduce the risk of cyber-crime.
We’ve pulled together advice from the National Cyber Security Centre and added some advice of our own.
So, without further ado, here are some top tips for online security for businesses. To be honest, a lot of them make sense for all users, so take a look through:
Tip 1: Make sure you have the latest software and app updates
Protect all your devices with these top, all-round cyber-security solutions.
Here’s a list of the latest & advanced cyber-security solutions for home users and businesses:
- Anti-Virus Software – Antivirus solutions organisations of all sizes.
- Cloud Network Security – Predict and prevent attacks before they happen.
- Data Centric Security – Automatically control information distribution and protect against security breaches.
- Endpoint Security – Protect your network from all remote devices.
- Malware Prevention – Protecting you and others from malware and viruses.
- Mobile Malware Protection – Protecting mobile phones from malware and viruses.
- Security Management – Protect your organisation’s assets.
- Web Filtering – Comprehensive web content security.
- VPN Security – Virtual private network security for all devices.
Tip 2: Make passwords strong and different
Secure your sensitive information with strong passwords.
Here’s a list of the latest & advanced log-on solutions:
- OneSpan – Improve log-on security with Two Factor Authentication.
- Thycotic – No. 1 Gartner recommended security for account protection.
Tip 3: Type in a shop’s website address instead of clicking on links in emails
Protect and control the email content that you receive.
Here’s a list of the latest & advanced email security solutions:
Tip 4: Don’t panic if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud
Back up your data so nothing is lost and be prepared when things go wrong.
Here is a list of backup & remediation solutions:
Bonus tip: Enhance your organisations Security Awareness with KnowBe4’s training platform:
https://idency.com/products/authentication/human-resources/knowbe4-security-awareness-training/
Checklist of online security tips for all users:
1. Install the latest software and app updates
2. Choose strong and separate passwords for accounts
3. Type in a shop’s website address rather than clicking on links in emails
4. Avoid over-sharing unnecessary information with shops, even if they ask
5. Don’t panic if you think you’ve been a victim of fraud
6. Keep an eye on bank accounts for unrecognised payments
7. Make sure all your home gadgets are secure
Hope this was useful. Stay safe out there, and happy bargain-hunting.
Idency Security Tipsters