The Michigan State Police is wanting Michigan residents to practice good hygiene, cyber hygiene that is.
So far this year, Michiganders and businesses have lost more than $26.5 million to cyber-criminals.
“Whether you are using a personal mobile device or work computer, practicing good cyber hygiene is your best protection from cybercriminals,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “Be a vigilant Internet user by immediately reporting suspicious activity to the proper authorities. By being cyber aware, you will be better protected while connected.”
Some tips from the MSP to practice good cyber hygiene include:
- Do not click on links or pop-ups, open attachments or respond to emails from strangers.
- If you are unsure of the sender, type a website name by hand rather than clicking on an embedded link.
- Do not respond to online requests for personally identifiable information. Most organizations—banks, universities, companies—do not ask for your personal information over the Internet.
- Limit who you share information with by reviewing the privacy settings of your social media accounts.
- Trust your intuition. If you think an offer is too good to be true, then it probably is.
- Password-protect all user accounts and devices that connect to the Internet.
- Do not use the same password twice. Choose a password that means something to you and you only. Change your password on a regular basis.
- If something seems suspicious, report it to the proper authorities.
