Cyber attacks aren’t just restricted to businesses alone as individuals are often the prime targets of hackers, as they are not equipped or educated enough to defend themselves. As the first line of defense, here is a checklist to reduce vulnerabilities that attackers exploit.

Cybersecurity is our shared responsibility. We all must work together to improve our Nation's cybersecurity."

-Department of Homeland Security

 Cybersecurity Checklist

1. Don’t click on suspicious links in emails that appear to be from a known person or colleague.
2. Change your password on regular basis and do not use passwords that contain your personal information like birthday. Choose a password with a combination of letters with upper and lower cases, numbers, and special characters.
3. Avoid using the same password for all online accounts (email, banking, social etc.)
4. Make sure firewall or antivirus is updated and run a system scan on regular intervals.
5. Never share your personal information across social networking sites.
6. Avoid emailing work information or sensitive files from your work email to your personal email.
7. Keep Operating Systems (OS) updated with all recommended software updates. Don’t neglect these updates, as these updates fix vulnerabilities in the OS.
8. Check your smartphone's access permissions and requests when installing new apps.
9. Never plug in outside electronic device (USB, mobile charger etc) to office systems if you don't know its origins. 
10. It is advised to encrypt all your PC’s, laptops, mobile devices, USBs and so on to avoid any malware to exploit vulnerabilities.
11. Backup important files and data to secure cloud platforms as they are more encrypted than your PC. This helps your recover vital date even if your system crashes or subjected to attack.
12. Read the fine print prior sharing your own data to websites or  online shopping.
13. Use multi-step authentication procedures for your computers and networks.
14. Keep your cybersecurity insurance up-to-date.

Cybersecurity is not one individual's, government's or company's responsibility. Defending against cyberattacks is a collaborative effort. As a part of celebrating this cybersecurity month, it's important to stay educated to fight the cyberwar winning the battle against cybercriminals. 

(Learn about the cybersecurity readiness list to protect your business against hackers)