During the COVID-19 pandemic, you have probably spent more time with your phone than you usually do. Whether you use your phone to connect with friends and family, knock things off your work ‘to-do’ list, or to pass the time, your phone serves many different functions so it’s important to keep it – and the information on it – safe and sound.
This week during Cyber Security Awareness Month, read up on the key tips you can use to keep your phone secure.
Updating your operating system (OS)
Keeping your operating system (OS) and software updated is one of the easiest ways to protect your devices and your information from cyber threats. Consider the following:
- Updates fix security issues and add new features to allow you to get more out of your device;
- Keep your security up to date by installing updates automatically and updating during off hours.
Read more about system updates here.
Avoiding smishing scams
Smishing refers to any phishing message sent through SMS (text message) and involves a cyber criminal pretending to be someone they’re not to extract information from you. Usually, cyber criminals send messages that include a link that they’re trying to get you to click on.
The best way to protect yourself from smishing attacks is to be cautious about any messages you receive from phone numbers you don’t recognize. Read more about the most common forms of phishing here.
Fishing is a fun activity that your dad probably wants to do every time you go camping. Phishing emails or texts, however, can compromise your phone and your data. t.co/uSQEzF1c47 #CSAM2020 #GetCyberSafe pic.twitter.com/S68FntWDef
— Get Cyber Safe (@GetCyberSafe) October 5, 2020
Enabling multi-factor authentication
If you access NC network resources remotely, you will be familiar with multi-factor authentication (MFA), but you can use it for your personal accounts and devices as well. MFA means that you need more than one authentication factor to log in to a device or an account. Authentication factors include:
- Something you know, such as a password, passphrase or personal identification number (PIN);
- Something you have, such as a token or smartcard;
- Something you are, such as a biometric like a fingerprint.
Something as simple as a 2-step verification can protect you from:
- 100% of automated bots;
- 96% of phishing attacks;
- 76% of targeted attacks.
Learn more about MFA here. For NC-specific resources related to MFA and phishing, visit the ITS website.
Information and images from getcybersafe.gc.ca.
