October 2017

Here at Fortis, we believe cyber-security is of the utmost importance, and we have made cyber-awareness a top priority for our Clients, Colleagues and Friends.  October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month.  Fortis is promoting cyber security by sharing weekly tips and information during the month of October.

Online Security

Q: How to increase security for your online accounts?
A:  Two-Factor Authentication (TFA)

Most email service providers, such as Gmail and social media platforms offer TFA.  You should opt for TFA when available.

Google gives you the option to set up TFA.  Whenever you sign in to your google account/Gmail, you will use your password as usual.  Then you will be given a temporary verification code that will be sent via text to your phone or voice call.  Once you key in your verification code you will have access to your account.

Online Shopping

The holiday season is approaching fast, therefore a lot of us will be shopping for our gifts online.

ALWAYS make sure the site’s address starts with “https” instead of “http”.  There should also be a padlock icon in the URL field.  This indicates that the site is secure and uses encryption.

Do not click on unfamiliar links that may pop up while you are filling your shopping cart.

At home, use a password-protected router.  Most people have Verizon or Comcast routers that include a long unique password that you need to enter to connect to your secured Wi-Fi.  This encrypts your data on your devices at home.

Outside of your home you might be connecting to public Wi-Fi (free Wi-Fi) at coffee shops, airports, hotels, any public place.  Public Wi-Fi is public, it is not secure.  When using public Wi-Fi, try to avoid logging into sensitive accounts such as online bank accounts, email, social media, etc…

Is Your Password as EASY as 123?

Password Basics

• Change online passwords annually. 
  
• Use a different password for each of your online accounts and personal devices.
• Always make your passwords unique and impersonal. They should be hard to guess. Use phrases.
• Can’t remember all of your passwords? Use a password manager.

Always make sure you are connecting to a secure network.  Public wifi is
Easy to Hack  

 

We encourage our clients to contact us as soon as possible if you believe you may be a cyber-crime victim.

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