EMAIL BEST PRACTICES

• Be cautious about opening attachments or clicking on links in emails.
  Even your friend or family members’ accounts could be hacked. Files and links can contain malware that can weaken your computer's security

• Do your own typing.
  If a company or organization you know sends you a link or phone number, don’t click. Use your favorite search engine
  to look up the website or phone number yourself.
   
• Make the call if you’re not sure.
  Do not respond to any emails that request personal or financial information. Phishers use pressure tactics and prey on fear.
   
• Turn on two-factor authentication.
  For accounts that support it, two-factor authentication requires both your password and an additional piece of information to log in to your account. Use a unique password with a minimum 8 character length. Lock your screen.
   
• Back up your files to an external hard drive or cloud storage.
  Back up your files regularly to protect yourself against viruses or a ransom ware attack.

• Report phishing emails and texts.
  Forward a screen shot of the message and not the suspect message itself to IT.

User ID and Password Best Practices

• Use a unique and lengthy password.
  Passwords should have 8 characters at the minimum, a unique character like “%”, an upper and lower case alpha character, and a number. Common words should be avoided. Good example: $ynCopat1ion Poor example: god
   
• Avoid saving passwords in browsers and change your password regularly.
  Passwords saved in browsers are not secure and easily obtained by anyone with access to your computer. Your password should be changed at least twice a year.
   
• Use multifactor or two factor authentication when ever possible.
  Most organizations like your bank offer multifactor authentication. Authenticators are available free from organizations like Google. Authenticators give you an added protection and function of (OTP) one time password.
   
• Avoid sharing your ID and passwords. Guard against social hacking.
  It is tempting to share your ID and passwords for efficiency sake but the risk is not worth the shortcut. Guard against prying eyes and eavesdropping.