Cybersecurity Awareness Month tips to protect your personal data

The City's Information Technology Department is reminding the community to protect personal data, devices, and networks from unauthorized access or criminal use as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. 

Be aware of:

Suspicious email messages

A phishing email is a fraudulent message designed to trick you into revealing sensitive information, such as passwords or financial details, by pretending to be from a legitimate source. Phishing emails often try to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly without thinking. Inspect links carefully before opening them. On a PC, hover your mouse over the link. On a phone or tablet, long-press the link. Does the link URL look legitimate? If in doubt, don't open it!

Suspicious text messages

Have you ever received a suspicious text message asking you to visit a link or provide personal information? This is known as smishing, and it's a common phishing tactic using SMS. Always be cautious when receiving unsolicited messages, and never provide sensitive information to unknown senders. Inspect the sender's email address or phone number to ensure it's legitimate, and don't hesitate to delete or block suspicious messages.

Mobile device security

To add an extra layer of security to your devices, use biometric authentication (e.g., Face ID, Touch ID) and strong passcodes. This will help protect your private information in case your device is lost or stolen. Additionally, consider enabling Multi Factor Authentication (MFA) whenever possible, which requires both a password and a second form of verification, such as a code sent to your phone, to access your accounts.

For more information, email itd@cityofmissionviejo.org.