Cyber Security Awareness Month

October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security is encouraging Hoosiers to stay aware and safe on the internet and giving advice on how to be cyber smart.

This year's theme, created by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency and the National Cybersecurity Alliance, is "See Yourself in Cyber," which is a reminder that although cybersecurity may seem complex, it is really all about people.

The theme focuses on four key behaviors that are important to keep in mind when online.

• Enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA) – It is essential to have more than a password to protect your online accounts. MFA makes you significantly less likely to be hacked, using a text message or email to verify that it is you before logging in.
• Using strong passwords and a password manager – Use passwords that are long, unique and randomly generated, and use password managers to generate and remember different, complex passwords for each of your accounts.
• Updating software – Do not delay an update. If you see a software update notification, act promptly or turn on automatic updates.
• Recognizing and reporting phishing – If a link looks suspicious, think before you click. It could be an attempt to retrieve sensitive information or install malware.

Although cybersecurity may seem overwhelming, Cyber Security Awareness Month reminds everyone that there are many simple ways you can keep your data protected.

Read more about how to stay safe online by clicking here.