Top Cyber Awareness Tips for Work and Home

  April 9, 2024

SEB Marketing Team

Whether we are employees, parents, or both, our reliance on technology is undeniable. These days it is likely that work seamlessly transitions into personal life so the need for cyber awareness has never been more crucial. The importance of cultivating cyber awareness in both our professional endeavors and our roles as parents, empowers us to navigate the digital landscape with vigilance and resilience. 

Cyber awareness isn’t merely a concern confined to the four walls of the workplace; it’s needed every single time you or a family member access the internet. Whether we’re logging into our work emails or scrolling through social media feeds, cyber threats are real and ever-present.  

Whether at work or at home, cyber awareness involves understanding the importance of robust security measures such as strong password practices, being vigilant against phishing attempts, and exercising caution when encountering suspicious links or attachments. At home, it is important to secure the home networks by regularly updating software and helping family members to be more responsible when online.  

For those with children, imparting cyber awareness goes beyond mere restriction.  It entails empowering them with the knowledge of the inherent risks of the digital world. In the same way, parents should not only plug an electrical socket, they should further their children’s understanding of the hazards of electrical sockets.  Educating children about cyber threats instills a sense of caution, responsibility and fosters common sense. By nurturing their understanding of online risks, we equip them with invaluable tools to navigate the digital landscape safely. 

Let’s explore some cyber awareness habits for both work and home.  

Password Practices: 

• Good password management includes not sharing your passwords with anyone. 
• Create strong passwords that are a combination of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters. Avoid easily guessable information like birthdays or common phrases. 
• Enable 2FA or Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of protection. 
• Change your passwords regularly. 
• Do not password recycle. Different accounts = different passwords, including your network and modems.  Remember, using the same password with a different number or special character does not protect you from cyber criminals. 
• Use a password manager tool to create and store unique, strong passwords that you don’t need to memorize. 

Vigilance Against Phishing Attempts: 

• Slow down and take the time to assess emails or texts from unknown senders, especially those containing urgent requests for personal or financial information. 
• Check the sender’s email address carefully for any inconsistencies or variations that may indicate a phishing attempt. When possible, go directly to your account from the official site or call directly to verify information.  
• Hover your mouse cursor over links in emails to preview the URL before clicking. This will help you know if they lead to legitimate websites and not phishing pages designed to steal your information. 
• Beware of unsolicited attachments: Exercise caution when downloading attachments, especially if they come from unknown sources or seem suspicious in any way. 
• Keep yourself updated about common phishing tactics and trends in cyber threats to better recognize and avoid potential dangers. 

Protect Your Data: 

• For data protection at home, it might be a good idea to have an external hard drive with a back up of all your critical files.  
• For work data – follow your organization’s guidelines for data protection. 
• Keep your software up-to-date and be sure to reboot on occasion instead of simply setting your device to “sleep” mode. 
• Clear your browser history and delete files that are no longer needed. 

Educating Family Members about Safe Online Practices: 

• Be familiar with the privacy and security settings on all your devices. 
• Educate your family members about the importance of cyber awareness and the risks associated with online activities. 
• Set guidelines for safe online behavior, such as avoiding sharing personal information with strangers and being cautious of unsolicited messages or requests. 
• Demonstrate safe online practices yourself and encourage open communication about any security concerns or incidents that may arise. 

By adopting these practices and remaining vigilant in our online interactions, we can fortify our defenses against cyber threats, both at work and at home. Let’s empower ourselves and our loved ones with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the digital realm safely and securely.