IDHS Encourages Businesses To Protect Themselves Against Cyber-Attacks

Last updated on Monday, October 16, 2017

(UNDATED) - National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) is encouraging workplaces, non-profits and other organizations to protect themselves by learning and implementing cybersecurity best practices.

This week's theme is "Cybersecurity in the Workplace is Everyone's Business." Intellectual property loss can cost U.S. companies up to $250 billion annually. Organizations and workplaces should take time to understand cybersecurity and reduce the risks of a cyberattack. Businesses should also utilize resources such as The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Framework, which is a frequently updated document that provides guidance on the best cybersecurity practices.

"Workplace cybersecurity should be one of the top concerns of businesses," said State of Indiana Chief Information Officer Dewand Neely. "Most breaches happen because an employee clicks on a bad link in a phishing message and it opens the computer systems up to thieves. The Indiana Information Sharing & Analysis Center offers tips for citizens and businesses to learn how to spot phishing emails."

Hoosiers can visit and click on Cybersecurity Tips.

Listed below are additional safety tips that can help businesses, organizations and employees protect sensitive information:

Create strong passwords and change them regularly

Lock computers when leaving the area

Back up important documents

Regularly update antivirus software on all devices

Do not open unsolicited emails

Take precautions with mobile devices

Take extra precautions to protect customer information, receipts and financial data

Make plans to detect cybersecurity threats and respond in a timely manner

For more information about The National Institute of Standards and Technology Cybersecurity Frameworks, visit https://www.dhs.gov/using-cybersecurity-framework. For more information on IDHS's cybersecurity efforts, visit www.GetPrepared.in.gov.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

Click here to go back to previous page