Cyber security

What is Cyber Security?

Cyber Security is the practice of maintaining Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability in information systems. Confidentiality means keeping sensitive information private and accessible only to authorized users. Integrity means ensuring data remains accurate, trustworthy, and unaltered. Availability means systems and data are accessible when needed.

Essential Information

Phishing scams trick users into revealing passwords, banking details, or other sensitive information through fake emails, websites, or messages.

Malware includes viruses, ransomware, spyware, and other harmful software designed to steal information or damage systems.

Social engineering attacks manipulate people into giving away confidential information or access.

  • Be cautious of urgent requests for sensitive information
  • Verify identities before sharing data
  • Do not trust unexpected phone calls or texts
  • Security awareness training helps reduce risk
  • Go to this link for more information - Social Engineering 

MFA requires additional verification beyond a password, such as a mobile app, fingerprint, or security code.

  • Enable MFA on email and banking accounts first
  • Authenticator apps are safer than SMS codes
  • Save backup recovery codes securely
  • MFA greatly reduces account takeover risk
  • Go to this link for more information - Multi-Factor Authentication 
  • Use a unique password for every account
    • For example, use a different password for RamID and CCSFmail
  • Create strong passwords (12-16+ characters in length)
  • Use passphrases when possible
  • Use a password manager
  • Never share passwords
  • Change default passwords
  • Update passwords after a data breach
  • Log out of shared devices

A data breach occurs when sensitive information such as passwords, Social Security numbers, or financial records are exposed to unauthorized individuals.

  • Change passwords immediately after a breach
  • Use unique passwords for each account
  • Monitor bank and credit card activity regularly
  • Enable fraud alerts when necessary
  • Go to this link for more information - Got Hacked?

Your Social Security number (SSN) is highly valuable to identity thieves. A credit freeze prevents lenders from accessing your credit report, making it harder for criminals to open accounts in your name.

  • Freeze your credit with all major credit bureaus
  • Minimize sharing your SSN to what's absolutely necessary
  • Store sensitive documents securely
  • Watch for signs of identity theft
  • Protect files from ransomware or hardware failure
  • Use cloud or external backups
  • Install updates to patch security vulnerabilities
  • Enable automatic updates when possible

Education/Training

Go to our Cyber Education and Training page

Got Hacked?

Go to our Got Hacked page to see what you should do.