5 Security Tips to Keep you Safe this Halloween

It’s that time of year yet again, time for zombies, vampires, and the latest Disney princesses to come out of hiding and travel from door to door asking for brains, blood and princes. Sorry, candy, that’s what they want. Lions, tigers and bears aside Halloween brings special security risks as well as an excellent opportunity to work on your internet security skills! So here are 5 tips to help keep you safe this Halloween:

1. Install Internet Security Software
   There’s no substitute for security software. The most careful internet users in the world will inevitably make a mistake, and the first and last line of defense is internet security software. BrowseControl and BrowseReporter allow you to filter and monitor the internet usage of your computer, and your employee’s computers. These will allow you to prevent and realize any mistakes that you or your employees make online. It helps to prevent phishing attempts and is absolutely essential for the security of any company.
2. Change your passwords regularly
   One of the most important parts of your online security is your passwords. Your email passwords, bank passwords and any other important passwords you use. Ensure you create strong passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, upper case, and symbols if you can. It ensures the security of your information, and is one of the most exploited security measures.
3. Do not click on, download or accept any requests that do not come from a trusted source
   Phishing attempts are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and you need to remain vigilant to any phishing attempts you may receive online or by email. If you don’t know or trust a link then don’t click on it!
4. If a link brings you to an unknown or unexpected landing page close your browser
   Do not click anything on a risky or unknown site. Sometimes a link will bring you to an unexpected website, and the safest course of action is to just close the page. This is unavoidable for certain jobs, such as research jobs where you need to go to new and unknown sites for information. Make sure to exercise caution while browsing the internet, but if you do end up in unknown territory the easiest and safest way to proceed is to simply exit the site.
5. Don’t make purchases from online sites that are not secure
   E-commerce has become a trusted and common method to buy company supplies, Halloween costumes, fake blood etc. Ensure that the website is verified, and that the purchase is done through a trusted name such as Visa, PayPal etc. To ensure the website is secure you can check for a lock symbol beside the URL. If you click on the lock it will show the security information for the website.

Follow these five security tips and the only thing you’ll have to worry about this Halloween is the monsters at your door.

CurrentWare wishes you a safe and secure Halloween!

By: Michael Kachaniwsky.