In today’s technological world, we all face significant Cybersecurity risks in both our personal and business worlds. With this in mind, District Governor Todd Restel reached out to Joe Ruskey to submit a monthly article with helpful security tips.
Joe is the owner of Dependable Solutions, Inc., an MSP firm specializing in providing Secure Technology Solutions to organizations throughout the Midwest. He and his Dependable Family are passionate about finding the tools needed for today’s ever-changing technology arena. They are dedicated to maximizing an organization’s value of technology while mitigating their risk with the ever-increasing cyber-attacks plaguing us all today.
Many of you may be familiar with Joe, as he had the privilege to serve as our District Governor in 2017-18. He lives in La Crosse with his wife, Tina, where he is a member of the Rotary Club of La Crosse and serves as the club’s Rotary Foundation Committee Chair. Joe also serves at the Zone level as the Chair for the 2024 Institute in San Antonio.
Read on for the first submission of Stay Cyber Safe:
Ten Tips to Protect Yourself from Phishing
By: Joe Ruskey
Email phishing attacks are increasingly sophisticated and widespread. These scams aim to trick you into revealing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links. Here are ten ways to prevent phishing attacks at home:
1. Be cautious of unsolicited emails
Use care when dealing with unexpected emails, especially if they want personal information. Legitimate organizations rarely ask for sensitive data by email. If you're not sure if an email is genuine, contact thecompany directly through their official website or phone number.
2. Verify website security
Before entering any sensitive information online, be sure the website is secure. Look for "https" at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon/image next to it. When you see these the site is encrypted and more likely to be valid.
3. Use hard to break passwords
Apply complex, unique passwords for all online accounts. Then enable two-factor authentication when possible. This additional layer of security makes it much harder for attackers to access your accounts.
4. Keep software updated
Regularly update your operating system, browsers, and security software. System updates from the maker often include patches for newly found weaknesses.
5. Install anti-phishing tools
Most web browsers have free anti-phishing add-ons that can alert you to potential phishing sites. Use these tools to improve your online safety.
6. Learn about phishing techniques
Stay up to date on phishing tactics. Know common signs of phishing attempts, like urgent language, spelling errors, or suspicious attachments.
7. Think before you click, think before you click, think before you click
Do not click on links or download attachments from unknown sources. Hover over links to see the URL before clicking. When in doubt, manually type the website address into your browser instead of using the link in the email.
8. Use email filters
Enable spam filters on email accounts to reduce phishing attempts that reach your inbox. These filters can cut your risks of likely threats.
9. Be wary of pop-ups
Be careful with pop-up windows; they can be phishing attacks. Do not enter personal information in pop-up forms. Close them using the "X" in the window corner not buttons within the pop-up.
10. Report suspicious emails and calls
If you run into a possible phishing attempt, report it to the authorities or the real organization. This helps protect others and contributes to the fight against cybercrime.
By using these tips, you can reduce your risk of being a victim of phishing attacks. Remember the key to protecting personal information and digital assets is to stay aware and be skeptical of unsolicited communications.