Protect Yourself: A Cybersecurity Reminder for Michiganders

Gov. Whitmer has declared October as Michigan’s Cybersecurity Month in an effort to enhance cybersecurity awareness around the state. With more of us working in hybrid environments, reviewing online practices may ensure you are protected from cyberattacks both at work and at home.

You can take some simple steps to protect yourself, your family, and property before a cyberattack occurs by checking the tips below:

• Only connect to the Internet over secure, password-protected networks
• Do not click on links or pop-ups, open attachments, or respond to emails from strangers
• Always enter a website name by hand instead of following links if you are unsure of the sender
• Do not respond to online requests for personally identifiable information. Most organizations — banks, universities, companies, etc. — do not ask for your personal information over the Internet
• Limit who you are sharing information with by reviewing the privacy settings on your social media accounts
• Trust your intuition. If you think an offer is too good to be true, then it probably is
• Password-protect all user accounts and devices that connect to the Internet
• Do not use the same password twice. Choose a password that means something to you and you only. Change your password on a regular basis.
• If you see something suspicious, report it to the proper authorities (see State Police link, below).

Earlier this year, DTMB released the Michigan Secure app, a FREE mobile app offered to Michigan residents. The app alerts you if your mobile device, tablet, or Chromebook encounter threats, such as a potentially unsecure Wi-Fi network. With each alert, Michigan Secure will offer recommendations on how to address the threat. Michigan Secure is available for mobile devices running iOS 11 or higher, Android 6.0 or higher, and Chromebooks with Android Apps Support. You can download Michigan Secure on the App Store or Google Play. For details, visit Michigan.gov/MichiganSecureApp.

To learn more about staying safe and protected online, visit the Michigan State Police Cyber Command Center and Michigan.gov/Cybersecurity. There you will find information ranging from practicing safe cyber to learning about available law enforcement resources. ~