Welcome back to Tech Talk with Sierra Miles!
In this October episode, we spotlight Cybersecurity Awareness Month and share essential tips for staying secure in an increasingly digital world. Sierra Miles co-founders, Brandon App and Tim Miles, guide listeners through critical security practices to help protect themselves and their businesses from cyber threats. Here’s a recap of the episode’s highlights:
1. Beware of Election-Season Scams
During election season, you may receive texts or emails that seem like they’re from legitimate campaigns. Unfortunately, some of these messages may be phishing scams. Key ways to stay safe include:
- Donating only through candidates’ official websites.
- Checking voter registration only through trusted government resources.
- Remaining cautious with links in unsolicited messages to avoid disclosing personal data or financial information.
Phishing isn’t limited to election season. Cybercriminals use phishing tactics to target individuals and businesses year-round. Tips for protection include:
- Adopting a "zero-trust" approach—being skeptical of all unsolicited links and attachments until verified.
- Leveraging tools like Microsoft Safe Links for additional link verification.
Passwords are often the first line of defense in cybersecurity, so it’s essential to use unique, complex passwords for each account. Suggestions include:
- Avoiding easily guessable passwords (like anniversaries or pet names).
- Utilizing a secure password manager like LastPass to store and manage complex passwords.
- Regularly updating passwords, especially for financial or sensitive accounts.
MFA provides an extra layer of protection by requiring additional verification beyond a single password. Whether through text, email, or apps like Google Authenticator, MFA ensures that only authorized users gain access. Sierra Miles offers MFA support for businesses and individuals looking to enhance their account security.
5. Embracing Zero Trust Principles
"Zero Trust" means assuming no link or attachment is safe until verified. This security model emphasizes verifying every user, device, and application before granting access. At Sierra Miles, we recommend incorporating biometric verification, where possible, to further secure access.