Protect Your Family from Cyber Threats: Tips for National Security Month

Written by Andrew Benson

As we observe National Security Month, it’s important for both individuals and businesses to stay vigilant against online threats. Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities, making it crucial to protect your personal data and sensitive information. At MASECO, we prioritise cybersecurity through awareness training for our staff and have achieved Cyber Essentials certification, ensuring that we take the necessary measures to safeguard your data. Andrew Benson, Partner and Chief Technology Officer, shares essential strategies to help protect your family from cyber threats this National Security Month.

1. Recognise and Avoid Phishing Scams

Phishing is a common tactic cybercriminals use to steal sensitive information, posing as legitimate companies in emails or texts. These messages often contain malicious links or attachments. At MASECO, we regularly train our staff through cybersecurity awareness courses, helping us recognise and avoid phishing attacks. You can apply the same principles at home by being cautious of unsolicited emails or texts and confirming legitimacy with companies directly before engaging. If in doubt, never click on any links or open attachments from unfamiliar senders.

2. Secure Your Devices and Keep Them Updated

Having robust cybersecurity measures in place is crucial for protecting your devices from malware and other threats. Just as we ensure our systems are updated as part of MASECO’s commitment to Cyber Essentials certification, you should keep your personal devices up to date with antivirus software and operating system patches. This reduces vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit, keeping your data safe.

3. Use Strong, Unique Passwords and Enable Two-Factor Authentication

Strong passwords are a fundamental step in protecting your online accounts. The ideal solution is to use a piece of software known as a Password Manager to generate and store your passwords. If you don’t use a Password Manager to create your passwords then the latest recommendation from the UK National Cyber Security Centre is to use three random words, e.g. “SalmonBridgeBasket”. Each of your passwords should be unique. Never use the same password on multiple sites as, if one of them is compromised, then the hacker will potentially have access to your accounts on the other sites that use the same password. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible for additional security, just as businesses like MASECO do to safeguard client data. This ensures that even if a password is compromised, an additional layer of protection prevents unauthorised access.

4. Shop and Share Information Securely

When making online purchases or sharing personal details, always ensure the website is secure. Check for “https” in the URL and a lock symbol before entering sensitive data. Cybercriminals often use fake websites or links in phishing emails to capture information. At MASECO, protecting sensitive client information is a priority, and you should exercise the same caution when shopping or sharing personal details online. Avoid sharing too much personal information on social media, as it can be used for identity theft or fraud.

5. Monitor Online Activity for Vulnerable Family Members

Both children and seniors are at higher risk of falling victim to online threats. For children, it’s important to set clear guidelines about online behaviour, especially when it comes to sharing personal information or interacting with strangers. Consider using parental controls to monitor their activities. Seniors are frequently targeted by scammers, often through phishing emails or phone calls. Encourage them to verify the legitimacy of any unsolicited requests with a trusted family member before sharing information.

6. Stay Vigilant and Trust Your Security Providers

Cybersecurity requires ongoing vigilance. At MASECO, our Cyber Essentials certification reflects our commitment to continually improving our cybersecurity practices to protect both our business and client data. This certification gives our clients confidence that we are following best practices to safeguard sensitive information. For you and your family, staying informed about evolving threats and regularly reviewing your online activity are essential steps in maintaining strong cybersecurity.

By following these strategies and applying the same cybersecurity principles we use at MASECO, you can protect your family from cyber threats during National Security Month and beyond. Trust that both businesses and individuals can stay secure by staying informed and taking proactive steps to safeguard personal data.