The following CACR cybersecurity tips were created by the CACR center staff with a variety of perspectives and using the following principles:
- These tips are meant for average citizens, rather than businesses or experts.
- No saying “don’t” - You are using a computer to get work done; tips must be doable rather than prohibitive.
- Tips must be reasonable for a non-technical person to do.
- Perfection is the enemy of the good. These tips do not eliminate risk, but they do reduce it.
Our top tips:
- Use a password manager for strong, unique passwords.
- Use two-factor authentication in addition to passwords for critical accounts.
- Do backups (and test them).
- Use lock screens and device managers to protect against lost and misused devices.
- Monitor financial accounts.
- Freeze credit.
- Apply software updates / patches.
- If you weren’t looking for it, don’t “buy it."
- If someone calls or emails you, or something pops up while you're surfing, don’t fall for it.
- For software, go find it from an official site.
- Don’t perform critical functions on public computers.