Practice Safe Cyber :: VBgov.com - City of Virginia Beach

Practice Safe Cyber

Staying safe in our cyber-connected world is a constant challenge. Threats are everywhere: scammers, hackers, predators and thieves are actively working to steal personal information, access accounts and take advantage of people. We want to assist residents in their efforts to protect themselves and their families online by practicing safe cyber. The City's Cyber Security Awareness campaign is an ongoing initiative throughout the year. Each month will focus on a different cyber security theme and information will be posted here, and on the City's social media platforms. We will work with our local community groups, schools, law enforcement and military partners, business associations and media outlets to help spread the word. There will be something here for everyone: young and not-so-young, parents, teens, small business owners. Virginia Beach is safest in crime. Let's be safest online by practicing safe cyber.

October is National Cyber Security Awareness Month - Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.

According to Forbes magazine, Americans spend an average of 12 hours per day in front of screens. This includes computers, tablets, smartphones and TVs. Each like, share and send continuously adds to a long trail of personal information online that hackers can exploit in any number of ways.
Practicing good cybersecurity includes safeguarding your privacy while online. Personal accountability is key and it's essential to take proactive measures to enhance cybersecurity at home, at work and when you're out and about. Here are some simple steps everyone must take to Protect IT.
- If you connect, you must protect – Whether it's your computer, smartphone, game device or other network devices, the best defense against viruses and malware is to ensure that you're using the latest security software, web browser and operating systems. Turn on automatic updates, if you can, and protect your devices against new and evolving threats with antivirus software.
- Stay protected while connected – Before you connect to any public wireless hotspot – like at an airport, hotel or café – be sure to confirm the name of the network and exact login procedures with appropriate staff to ensure that the network is legitimate. If you do use an unsecured public access point, practice good internet hygiene by avoiding sensitive activities, such as banking, that require passwords or credit cards. Your personal hotspot is often a safer alternative to free Wi-Fi. Only use sites that begin with "https://" when online shopping or banking.
- If you collect it, protect it – It's vital that businesses of all sizes keep customer data and information safe. Follow reasonable security measures to keep individuals' personal information safe from inappropriate and unauthorized access. Be open and honest about how you collect, use and share customers' personal information. Think about how the customer may expect their data to be used, and design settings to protect their information by default.

Source: StaySafeOnline

The City of Virginia Beach is a National Cyber Security Awareness Champion

We're a Champion.png The National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) Champion program is a way to officially show your support. Champions represent those dedicated to promoting a safer, more secure and more trusted internet. Being a Champion is easy and does not require any financial support.

NCSAM Champions include companies and organizations of all sizes, schools and school districts, colleges and universities, nonprofits, government organizations and individuals. Information on how to become a National Cyber Security Awareness Champion can be found at the Stay Safe Online website.