The weakest link in the cybersecurity chain is not the penetration or manipulation of networks or some other complicated technical issue. Rather, the main culprit is human error. Despite security technology advancements and the now common implementation of robust security measures, human mistakes still remain as the vulnerability cyber attackers most often exploit. Whether falling victim to phishing scams, using weak passwords, or failing to apply software updates, it is often our own team members that inadvertently expose our organizations to a wide range of cyber threats.
In today’s ever-changing digital world, generating cybersecurity awareness and fostering a culture of security-conscious behavior is vital in mitigating the risks associated with human error. With this in mind, we urge implementation of the following core practices:
The 10 Commandments of Cybersecurity
1. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Whenever possible, enable two-factor authentication for your accounts. This provides an extra layer of security beyond your password.
2. Be Aware of Phishing Attacks: be cautious of unsolicited emails, messages, or phone calls requesting account numbers, logins, or other sensitive information. Be very suspicious of anyone urging you to click on suspicious links. Verify the sender’s identity before responding by clicking on any link they send.
3. Use Strong Passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for each of your online accounts. We urge that you use a password manager to securely store and manage these passwords.
4. Educate Yourself and Others: Take advantage of cybersecurity awareness training opportunities and resources to learn more about cybersecurity best practices. Share this knowledge with your family, friends, and colleagues to help others stay vigilant.
5. Update Software Regularly: Keep your operating system, antivirus software, web browsers, and other applications up-to-date with the latest security patches to protect against known vulnerabilities.
6. Secure Your Devices: Implement security measures such as device encryption, screen locks, and remote wipe capabilities on your computer, smartphones, and other devices to protect them from unauthorized access.
7. Practice Safe Browsing Habits: Be cautious when visiting websites and downloading files from the Internet. Rely on reputable websites, and avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading files from unknown sources.
8. Backup Your Data: Regularly backing up your data and important files to an external hard drive, cloud storage service, or another secure location will help protect against data loss in the event of a cyberattack or hardware failure.
9. Be Mindful of Social Media: Be aware of the information you share on your social media platforms! Cybercriminals can and do use it to gather personal information that enables them to create very realistic, convincing stories that enable identity theft.
10. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated about cybersecurity-related news from reputable resources. Stay informed about the latest threats, vulnerabilities, and best practices.
By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness and empowering individuals to adopt best practices, churches, and organizations can strengthen their defenses and reduce the likelihood of falling victim to cyberattacks. By working together to address the human factor in cybersecurity, we can protect ourselves from evolving cyber threats and ensure a safer digital future for all.