9 Things You Need To Be Doing To Protect Yourself from Online Criminals

Cybercrime has cost Michigan residents and business over $25 million already this year- implement these 9 steps so you are not next.

Gov. Rick Snyder has proclaimed October as Cybersecurity Awareness Month to encourage Michiganders to take an active role in their own cybersecurity. The FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center reports an average victim loss of nearly $4,000 as more than $1.1 billion in victim losses have been reported across the United States with more than $26.5 million coming directly from Michigan.

Whether you are using a personal mobile device or work computer, practicing good cyber hygiene is your best protection from cybercriminals. 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.

-Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police

To practice good cyber hygiene:

• Only connect to the Internet over secure, password-protected networks.
• 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.

For more information about staying safe online, visit the Michigan Cyber Initiative website at www.michigan.gov/cybersecurity.

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