Do you leave your car unlocked when you walk into the grocery store or while it’s parked in your driveway? Chances are you don’t, you wouldn’t risk someone breaking in and stealing your possessions. Treat your devices the same way. It only takes a minute for someone to gain access to your private information when you walk away from an unlocked device.

When it comes to your work computer, consider how much valuable and sensitive information can be accessed including client information, financial statements, and other confidential documents. If someone were to gain access to your computer, they could easily modify, share, or remove that data from your computer and network. Another possibility is a person could install malware onto your computer which could gain access to your passwords if stored in browsers, or send emails directly from your account.

Easily avoid these risks by always locking your computer. If you use a PC, quickly lock your computer by pressing the ‘Windows’ key and ‘L’ key at the same time. On a Mac, press ‘Command’ + ‘Control’ + ‘Q’.

Your smartphone is you and everything you care about which is why it is equally important to lock it when it’s not in use. Everything from your email, pictures, texts, and even online banking information is accessible via your phone.

In order to change the lock settings on your iPhone, go into Settings -> Touch IS and Passcode. From here, you can choose between a custom alphanumeric code or a custom numeric code. You can also opt to use your fingerprint to unlock your phone.

On an android, go to Menu -> Settings -> Security -> Screen Lock. From here you can choose between a password, PIN, or pattern.

Make sure your devices lock after a certain period of inactivity as well.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month!

“Held every October, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month (NCSAM) is a collaborative effort between government and industry to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity and to ensure that all Americans have the resources they need to be safer and more secure online,” according to Homeland Security.

“NCSAM 2019 will emphasize personal accountability and stress the importance of taking proactive steps to enhance cybersecurity at home and in the workplace. This year’s overarching message – Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT. – will focus on key areas including citizen privacy, consumer devices, and ecommerce security.” Learn more about National Cybersecurity Awareness Month here on the Homeland Security website.

Every weekday in October, we’ll help spread Cybersecurity awareness by sharing an important online safety tip.