Cybersecurity tips to help protect your personal data online

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. 

Tips to help protect your personal data:

• Do not reuse passwords for multiple websites and services. If a password is stolen, cybercriminals will attempt to reuse it on other websites and systems.
• Do not reply, click on, or download anything from unsolicited text messages – these are usually a scam. Legitimate companies will ask you to log into their services directly on their website or app, not from a link.
• Always keep your devices and software up to date to protect your personal information.
• Many scams ask for payment by gift card, Venmo, Zelle, CashApp, and even mailing cash. Be extremely suspicious of any request for payment using these methods.

Remember, cybercriminals often use a sense of urgency, poor grammar, or misspellings in their requests.  Stop, look, and think before responding to unsolicited emails, text messages, or phone calls.

For more information, email itd@cityofmissionviejo.org.