October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. First recognized in 2004, this month highlights the importance of recognizing threats and taking steps to protect personal and professional privacy and data.
“Cybersecurity Awareness Month is more relevant now than ever before,” said James Costello, Director-IT Security. “With rapid technology changes, advancing tactics and geopolitical risks, hackers have an advantage. It’s vital that everyone knows how to protect themselves and the company.”
This month, the company is using the #BeCyberSmart tagline to remind everyone at Freeport that they don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to stay safe. Just stay alert, take some basic precautions and report suspicious activity immediately to MIS Security.
What you can do at work
- Set up Passwordless authentication. Everyone at Freeport now is using Microsoft Authenticator for identity verification. To enhance your security, employees should set up Passwordless sign-in, which uses your device’s built-in security features like facial recognition, making your logins easier and more secure.
- Save and share the right way. Oversharing can lead to sensitive information falling into the wrong hands. Store files in OneDrive, Teams and SharePoint, sharing them only with those who need access. Avoid sending files as email attachments, which can easily be forwarded outside the company.
- Report suspicious activity. If you encounter suspicious emails, texts or phone calls requesting confidential information, report them as phishing or contact MIS security at MIS_Security@fmi.com. The company’s email security systems protect against most threats, but prompt reporting helps protect other employees.
Complete a personal cybersecurity checkup
- Review account security. Check the security settings of your online accounts, especially banking and investment accounts. Ensure you have strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication wherever possible. If MFA isn’t available, ask your bank if you can set up a secure PIN for identity verification.
- Freeze your credit. Following a major data breach exposing personal data, experts recommend freezing your credit with the three major credit bureaus unless you plan to apply for new credit. Consider freezing your children’s credit by contacting the bureaus to establish a credit file for them.
- Update your privacy settings. Review the privacy settings on your social media accounts and other online services. Restrict access to your profile to only those you know. Scammers often exploit social media to gather personal details to manipulate you and gain your trust.
As cyber threats become more advanced, it is crucial to actively protect your data. Follow these steps to secure both company and your personal data. The Cybersecurity team also will share additional training opportunities this month—look for them in your inbox or by following Cybersecurity News & Tips.
This October, there’s no better time to #BeCyberSmart.