Better Business Bureau Joins Forces with the National Cyber Security Alliance to Promote Cyber Security
CHICAGO, IL – Each year millions of individuals worldwide fall victim to cybercrimes. The Better Business Bureau (BBB) and its partners urge all users of the internet to STOP. THINK. CONNECT. This is the year’s theme for Cyber Security Awareness month. Every day we use the internet at work and at home, for enjoyment, and to stay connected to those close to us. But in doing so, we must make the effort to do so safely.
“Cyber security is a shared responsibility” says Steve J. Bernas, president and CEO of the Better Business Bureau serving Chicago and Northern Illinois. “Breaches in cyber security can have a disastrous effect on your finances, identity and privacy.”
National Cyber Security Awareness Month and this year’s theme to STOP.THINK.CONNECT is designed to engage and educate both the public and private sectors with the goal of raising awareness about cybersecurity and the importance of being ready to react quickly when there is a breach.
There are a number of very simple steps that individuals can take to keep themselves safe while online:
- Set strong passwords and don’t share them with anyone
- Keep your operating system, browser, other critical software optimized by installing updates.
- Maintain an open dialogue with your family, and friends, about internet safety
- Limit the amount of personal information you post online and use privacy setting to keep the information shared to a minimum.
- Be careful with the things you receive and read online. What sounds like an amazing offer may be just the opposite.
“In short,” says Bernas, “keep a clean machine, protect your personal info, connect with care, be web wise, and be a good online citizen.”
For more tips, visit www.bbb.org, like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.
