Let’s all Cyber Up
for a Cyber Smart Pacific.
Just like in the ocean, you can encounter unknowns in the online environment. So let’s reduce the risk – cyber up with these six simple steps to help be secure online.
Upsize your passwords so they’re long, strong and hard to crack.
Long, strong and unique passwords are much harder for attackers to crack. Try creating a passphrase that’s a string of four or more words, this is much stronger than a random mix of letters, numbers and symbols.
Upgrade to two-factor authentication so your online accounts have double protection.
Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for your online accounts by turning it on in privacy settings. When you next log in you’ll use a second step such as your thumbprint, facial ID or one time code from an app to verify it’s really you.
Update your apps and software to keep bugs and viruses out.
As well as providing new features, updates also fix security risks that attackers can use to gain access to your personal information. Ensure automatic updates are enabled on all your devices to keep yourself secure.
Uphold your privacy to keep your personal information secure.
Before you share any personal information online, check your social media settings to ensure they are switched to ‘Friends only’ and that any requests for personal information are legitimate.
Upscale your data and systems backup and testing.
Implementing and testing backups helps to minimise downtime and data loss and ensure business continuity in the event of a security breach or data loss.
Uplift your data security to protect against unauthorised access
Security measures like firewalls and encryption protect your business from cyber threats and unauthorised access. Make sure you regularly review and update your security measures and educate your staff about cyber awareness.
Report it
If you, or a friend, family member or colleague experiences an online incident, report it to your local PaCSON Member. PaCSON is a Community of cyber security professionals from across the Pacific region who collaborate together to identify cyber security issues and support each other to find a resolution. By reporting, you are contributing to the lessons that can be shared with other Pacific countries and assist in raising awareness of cyber security.
Special thanks to CERT NZ for their assistance with producing this information.
The 2023 Cyber Smart Pacific material is licensed for re-use under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial 4.0 International Licence. For more information visit: https://www.cert.govt.nz/about/copyright/