9 tips for a safe cyber holiday

Information Systems
CentraCare Health

The increase in shopping online also increases your risk for being the victim of a cybercriminal. Follow the tips below to protect you and your family.

1. Shop smart. If an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don’t be fooled by the lure of great discounts by less-than-reputable websites or fake companies. Use the sites of retailers you know and trust. Go directly to their sites by typing a known, trusted URL into the address bar instead of clicking on a link.
2. Stop before you click. Use caution when clicking on links or opening attachments. Hovering the mouse over links will reveal the website the link will open. Validate that the sender’s email address is a known address. If in doubt, contact the sender. Use known, trusted URLs instead of clicking on links. Only open known, expected attachments.
3. Watch for fakes. Be aware of fake package tracking emails, fake e-cards and emails requesting that you confirm purchase information. These are particularly common this time of year.
4. Keep it clean. Make sure your PCs, laptops, smartphones and tablets have up-to-date anti-virus/anti-malware software.
5. Protect your passwords. Make them long and strong, never reveal them to anyone and use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
6. Review the address. Look for https:// (not http) in the URL before using your credit card online.
7. Check your statements regularly. Your bank and credit card statements often are the first indicators that your account information or identity has been stolen. If there is a discrepancy, report it immediately.
8. Use text alerts. Most banking apps and sites provide the option to set alerts, such as a text message for every transaction over a specified dollar amount or a daily text summary of your current balance. Set these alerts and use them to spot signs of unusual activity.
9. Beware of Wi-Fi hotspots and public computers. Limit the type of business you conduct on Wi-Fi hotspots and public computers including logging in to email, banking and shopping. And set your devices to “ask” before joining new wireless networks so you don’t unknowingly connect to an insecure or fraudulent hot spot.

Learn to be cyber smart from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Get cybersecurity tips for travelers.

Teach your children to be safe online.

National technology recognition

St. Cloud Hospital was named 2018 College of Healthcare Information Management Executives Healthcare’s Most Wired recipient. This is the fourth time that St. Cloud Hospital has been recognized as Healthcare’s Most Wired. CentraCare Health was the winner in the category of Nonprofit or Government for the Cyber Security Awareness Program Excellence Awards by MediaPRO.

Read More