Cybercrime and Cybersecurity Prevention Checklist

Quicklist

For Individuals:

Device and Software Security:

· Use strong passwords and a password manager to avoid password reuse.

· Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all accounts whenever possible.

· Keep your operating system, applications, and web browsers updated with the latest security patches.

· Use a reputable antivirus and anti-malware software and schedule regular scans.

· Be cautious about downloading files or installing software from untrusted sources.

· Back up your data regularly to a secure location.

Online Habits:

· Be wary of phishing emails and suspicious links. Don't click on attachments or links from unknown senders.

· Be mindful of what information you share online, especially on social media.

· Avoid using public Wi-Fi for sensitive activities without a VPN.

· Log out of accounts when you're finished using them.

Financial Protection:

· Monitor your bank statements and credit card reports regularly for suspicious activity.

· Use separate passwords for your financial accounts.

· Be cautious about online shopping and only use reputable websites.

If you suspect a cybercrime:

· Report the incident to the appropriate authorities (e.g., law enforcement, platform where the incident occurred).

· Change your passwords and enable 2FA on all affected accounts.

· If necessary, seek help from a cybersecurity professional to remove malware or recover from an attack.

For Organizations:

Security Policies and Procedures:

· Develop and implement a comprehensive cybersecurity policy that outlines acceptable use of technology and security protocols.

· Regularly review and update your security policies to reflect the latest threats.

· Conduct security awareness training for all employees to educate them about cybercrime and best practices.

· Implement a data breach response plan to outline steps to take in case of a cyberattack.

Network Security:

· Use firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor and filter network traffic.

· Secure your Wi-Fi network with strong encryption and access controls.

· Regularly review and update access controls to user accounts and systems.

Data Security:

· Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit.

· Implement data loss prevention (DLP) solutions to prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.

· Regularly back up your data to a secure location.

Simple Cybersecurity Checklist for Your Work Email

This checklist outlines key points to stay safe and secure while using your work email:

Confidentiality:

· Keep company secrets under wraps! Don't share sensitive information without approval.

· Avoid sending emails with discriminatory content - it's unprofessional and harmful.

Using Your Email Properly:

· Don't use personal email accounts for work. Stick to your company email address.

· Don't spread those scary-looking virus warnings you get forwarded - check with IT if unsure.

Account Management:

· You'll get a work email account for business communication.

· One account is usually enough. Only request another if absolutely necessary.

Sending Emails:

· Double-check email addresses before hitting send, especially for people outside your company.

· Keep your recipient list tight. Use "Cc" only when someone needs to be "in the loop" but isn't directly involved.

Email Etiquette:

· When replying to emails, remove unnecessary attachments to keep things clean.

· Avoid sending mass emails with advertisements or personal stuff - it's not professional.

Security Awareness:

· Be cautious of emails from unknown senders. They might be trying to spread viruses!

· Remember, email delivery isn't always instant. Be patient.

When Things Go Wrong:

· Let people know if you receive an email meant for someone else. Delete it if it's not relevant.

· Set up an "out-of-office" message when you're away and include contact details for urgent matters.

Keeping Your Inbox Organized:

· Don't let your inbox overflow! Archive or delete old emails regularly.

Extra Security for Sensitive Information:

· Super sensitive information? Don't send it via email unless it's encrypted (like a scrambled code).

· Ask IT about encryption options or secure file sharing for these situations.

· If something's super confidential, consider splitting it into multiple emails for added security.

Cybersecurity Checklist for Desk Work: Stay Safe & Secure!

This checklist will help you keep your workspace secure and protect your company's information.

Keeping Things Safe Physically:

· Lock it up! Secure sensitive files in drawers or cabinets when not in use.

· Don't leave your computer unattended. Lock your computer or log out whenever you step away.

· Paper matters too! Store documents and storage devices like USB drives in locked drawers or cabinets.

Knowing What to Share:

· Need to know basis only! Only share information with colleagues who absolutely need it for their work.

· When in doubt, ask about it! If unsure whether something can be shared, check with your supervisor or manager.

· Log out and lock up! Always log out of your computer terminal and lock your office door if you leave your desk.

Handling Information Carefully:

· Clear your desk! Don't leave sensitive documents lying around at the end of the day.

· Wipe it clean! Erase any sensitive information written on whiteboards before leaving.

· Passwords are secret! Never write down your password or leave it where someone can see it.

Protecting Company Data:

· Shred it! Destroy any printed documents with confidential information before throwing them away.

· Print with care! Think twice before printing something sensitive. Maybe you can share it electronically instead?

· Back it up! Make regular backups of important data according to your company's policy.

Using Your Own Devices:

· Keep it legal! Make sure any software you install on your personal devices has a proper license.

· Updates are important! Keep your personal devices (laptops, phones, etc.) up-to-date with the latest security patches.

· Strong passwords are key! Use strong passwords for your personal devices and remove any company information you don't need anymore.

Using the Internet:

· Don't store company secrets online! Unless your company approves it, avoid storing confidential information on free cloud storage services.

Mobile Device Manners:

· Professionalism matters! Use work-appropriate ringtones and alerts on your phone.

· Silence is golden! Turn off or silence your personal devices during meetings to avoid distractions.

· Think before you record! Don't use your phone's camera or recording features without permission.

· Keep it personal! Don't let family or friends use your work phone.

If Something Happens:

· Report it right away! Tell your manager immediately if you lose, damage, or have your personal device stolen.

· Turn it off! If you have an ALEXA device in your workspace, turn it off or remove it during confidential meetings.

Office Internet Use Checklist: Stay Safe & Secure Online!

This checklist will help you use the internet safely and responsibly at work.

Getting Permission & Using the Internet Wisely:

· Always get approval from a manager before posting anything work-related online.

· The internet is mainly for work at the office, but occasional personal use after hours is okay.

What NOT to Do Online:

· Don't post anything inappropriate, offensive, or illegal online.

· Keep company information private - don't share it on social media or personal websites.

Security Measures:

· Keep confidential information confidential! Encrypt sensitive documents before sending them online.

· Make sure your computer's antivirus software is up-to-date. Ask IT for help if you need it.

Social Media:

· Social media is generally for personal use outside of work hours. Only use it for work if your boss says it's okay.

· Don't share company secrets on your personal social media accounts.

Downloading Files:

· No downloading music, videos, or photos for personal use at work.

· Need to download a large file for work? Check with IT first (during office hours).

Keeping Things Secure Physically:

· Always wear your ID badge and challenge anyone without one.

· Lock up confidential documents when not in use, especially after hours.

Securing Your Laptop:

· When you leave your laptop unattended, secure it to your desk with a cable lock.

· Keep the key or code for the lock in a safe place.

If You See Something, Say Something!

· Report any suspicious online activity, security weaknesses, or incidents to the IT department immediately.

· If your computer starts acting strangely, tell IT and disconnect it from the network if needed.

Data & Backups:

· Company data is important! Help keep it safe by following data classification guidelines and labeling.

· Participate in any training or drills related to Business Continuity Planning (BCP). This helps ensure the company can keep operating even in unexpected situations.

Website Security Checklist: Keep Your Site Safe from Hackers!

This checklist outlines key steps to keep your website or app secure from attackers.

Building a Strong Foundation:

· Follow a security guide: Use a trusted resource like the OWASP framework as a guide for website security best practices.

· Validate user input: Make sure users can only enter the kind of information your site expects (think text instead of crazy symbols!).

Protecting Your Data:

· Secure your database: Use special tools to handle user information safely and keep your database software up-to-date.

· Encrypt sensitive information: Store passwords and other important data in a scrambled code attackers can't read.

· Encrypt data transfer: Use TLS (like a secure padlock) to encrypt information traveling between your site and visitors.

Regular Checkups:

· Scan for weaknesses: Run regular scans to identify any security holes in your website or app.

· Test your defenses: Simulate an attack to see if your website can withstand real-world hacking attempts.

Keeping Things Tight:

· Close unused doors: Disable features and functions on your website or app that aren't being used. This reduces the number of entry points for attackers.

· Clean up your server: Remove unnecessary files and scripts from your web server to minimize potential hiding places for vulnerabilities.

· Strong passwords are key! Use strong passwords for everything related to your website or app, and don't use the same password twice!

The Principle of Least Privilege:

· Limited access: Give users only the access they need to do their jobs. This way, if someone hacks an account, the damage they can do is limited.

Keeping Errors Private:

· Hide error messages: Don't reveal too much information in error messages, as attackers might use that information to exploit weaknesses.

· Protect your code: Keep your website's code hidden from visitors to prevent them from tampering with it.

Secure Uploads:

· Use secure transfers: When uploading code or files to your website, use secure protocols like sFTP instead of regular FTP.

Remember:

· This is an ongoing process! Security threats are constantly evolving, so be sure to monitor your website regularly, update software, and conduct security assessments to stay ahead of the game.

Work-from-Home Security Checklist: Protect Yourself and Your Company Data

Securing Your Connection:

· Use a VPN! Think of it as a secure tunnel for your data. It encrypts information traveling between your home network and your work network.

· Home network security matters! Change the default password on your Wi-Fi router and mobile hotspot to something strong and unique. Consider turning them off entirely when not in use, especially at night.

Keeping Devices Secure:

· Secure your smart home devices! Change the default password on your CCTV camera or other internet-connected devices to prevent unauthorized access.

· Back up your data regularly. Use an encrypted USB drive and software like VeraCrypt to keep your data safe in case of accidents.

· Updates are essential! Make sure your work computer's operating system (like Windows) is always up-to-date with the latest security patches. Avoid using outdated operating systems that no longer receive security updates.

Practicing Safe Habits:

· Keep work and play separate! Don't let your kids use your work laptop for games or personal activities to minimize the risk of malware infection.

· Be mindful of mobile apps! Only install apps you need on your phone or tablet, especially those related to finances. Be careful about what permissions you grant to apps - they might ask for access to sensitive information.

· Browse the web safely! Don't search for bank contact information on search engines - you might end up on a fake website trying to steal your information.

· Think before installing remote access apps! Avoid installing apps like AnyDesk on your phone, as they could allow unauthorized access.

· QR codes can be tricky! Be cautious when scanning QR codes, especially for payments. They might be a scam to steal your money.

By following these steps, you can create a secure work-from-home environment and help protect yourself and your company's data.

Here are some additional security best practices you can add to your work-from-home checklist:

Physical Security:

· Shred sensitive documents: Don't throw away documents containing personal or company information without shredding them first.

· Lock doors and windows: Make sure your home office is secure when you're not there, even for short breaks.

· Beware of social engineering: Don't give out personal information or access to your computer to anyone you don't know and trust, even if they claim to be from IT support.

Password Management:

· Use a password manager: As mentioned before, using a password manager can help you create and store strong, unique passwords for all your work accounts.

· Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible: This adds an extra layer of security to your login process by requiring a second verification code in addition to your password.

Software Updates:

· Keep all software up-to-date: In addition to your operating system and work software, update your web browser, email client, and any other applications you use regularly.

Phishing Awareness:

· Be suspicious of attachments: Don't open attachments from unknown senders, even if they appear to be from colleagues.

· Verify links before clicking: Hover over links in emails and messages to see the real destination URL before clicking.

· Report suspicious emails to IT: If you receive a suspicious email, report it to your IT department so they can investigate.

Breaks and Self-Care:

· Get up and move around regularly: Sitting for long periods can be bad for your health and make you more susceptible to fatigue. Take short breaks to stretch and move around throughout the day.

· Maintain a healthy work-life balance: Set boundaries between your work life and personal life. Avoid working long hours or checking work emails outside of work hours.

· Be mindful of burnout: Working from home can blur the lines between work and personal life. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout and take steps to prevent it.

Additional Tips:

· Use a privacy screen: This can help prevent people from shoulder surfing and seeing what you're working on.

· Consider cyber insurance: Cyber insurance can help protect you from financial losses in the event of a cyberattack.

· Stay informed: Keep up-to-date on the latest cyber threats and scams so you can be better prepared to protect yourself.

Why Prevention Checklist?

The prevention checklist is a comprehensive set of measures and practices designed to prevent cyber threats and security breaches. It outlines specific actions and protocols that individuals and organizations can implement to minimize the risk of cyberattacks and protect sensitive information. The prevention checklist typically includes guidelines related to various aspects of cybersecurity, such as network security, data protection, user authentication, and incident response.

Key components of the prevention checklist may include:

Network Security: Ensuring that network infrastructure, including routers, firewalls, and intrusion detection systems, is properly configured and updated to defend against unauthorized access and malicious activities.

Data Protection: Implementing encryption, access controls, and data backup procedures to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized disclosure, alteration, or loss.

User Authentication: Enforcing strong password policies, implementing multi-factor authentication, and regularly auditing user accounts to prevent unauthorized access to systems and data.

Vulnerability Management: Regularly scanning and patching software and systems to address known vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of exploitation by cyber attackers.

Security Awareness Training: Educating employees and users about cybersecurity best practices, including how to recognize and respond to phishing attacks, social engineering tactics, and other common threats.

Incident Response Planning: Developing and documenting procedures for detecting, assessing, and responding to security incidents, including data breaches, malware infections, and other cyber threats.

Third-Party Risk Management: Assessing and monitoring the security posture of third-party vendors, partners, and suppliers to ensure they adhere to adequate cybersecurity standards and practices.

Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards governing data privacy, security, and breach notification.

By following the prevention checklist and implementing these preventive measures, organizations can enhance their overall cybersecurity posture and reduce the likelihood and impact of cyber incidents. Regular review and updates to the checklist are essential to adapt to evolving threats and vulnerabilities in the cybersecurity landscape.

Network Security Checklist:

Secure network devices such as routers, switches, and firewalls with strong passwords and regularly updated firmware.

Enable encryption protocols (such as WPA2 or WPA3) for Wi-Fi networks to protect data in transit.

Implement network segmentation to isolate sensitive data and limit access to authorized users.

Enable intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDS/IPS) to monitor network traffic for suspicious activity and block potential threats.

Configure access control lists (ACLs) to restrict unauthorized access to network resources.

Regularly update and patch network devices to address known vulnerabilities and security flaws.

Monitor network traffic and logs for signs of unauthorized access or unusual behavior.

Use virtual private networks (VPNs) for secure remote access to internal network resources.

Implement web filtering and content security policies to block access to malicious websites and prevent malware infections.

Conduct regular security assessments and penetration tests to identify and address vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure.