It's the FBI's Cyber Security Month – Time to Review Your Security Policies

Every October the FBI promotes its Cyber Security Month. As cyber crime is growing, it is a good time to look at your personal or company security policies and see if they need updating.

Cyber crime is a major issue, and, according to the report "Cost of a Data Breach Hits Record High During Pandemic" by IBM and the Ponemon Institute, cyber intrusions cost surveyed companies a staggering $4.24 million per incident on average, the highest number recorded for over 17 years.

Here are the FBI's key Cyber Safety Tips:

• Keep software systems up to date and use a good anti-virus program.

• Examine the email address and URLs in all correspondence. Scammers often mimic a legitimate site or email address by using a slight variation in spelling.

• If an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call asks you to update, check, or verify your account information, do not follow the link provided in the message itself or call the phone numbers provided in the message. Go to the company’s website to log into your account or call the phone number listed on the official website to see if something does in fact need your attention.

• Do not open any attachments unless you are expecting the file, document, or invoice and have verified the sender’s email address.

• Scrutinize all electronic requests for a payment or transfer of funds.

• Be extra suspicious of any message that urges immediate action.

• Confirm requests for wire transfers or payment in person or over the phone as part of a two-factor authentication process. Do not verify these requests using the phone number listed in the request for payment.

Visit the FBI's Cyber page for more tips and information. Another useful resource is the National Cyber Security Alliance.