Lock before you walk

For all the sophisticated techniques hackers use to access sensitive data, there are some really simple steps you can take to protect yours: namely, keep your desk clean! 

In the info security biz this is called a “clean desk policy” and it’s exactly what it sounds like:

1. Clean your desk. At the end of each day or if leave your workstation, remove all papers from view and lock up confidential information in a desk drawer or filing cabinet. This includes patient records, system diagrams, printed emails, passwords, invoices, receipts, USB sticks, even post-its – anything that could qualify as a data breach if it fell into the wrong hands. Better yet, if you’re done with sensitive paperwork, shred it.

1. Lock your computer (or your office) before walking away. It’s easy to get distracted and walk away from your computer while you’re in the middle of things, but it only takes a second for someone to jump on your computer and cause trouble. Also, if you’re working from home, make sure you’re the only one in your household who knows how to access your computer. The computer you use for WCM work is yours alone and shouldn’t be shared with your family or roommates. 

Use these shortcuts to easily lock your computer:

• Windows: Windows Key + L or Ctrl + Alt + Delete, then choose Lock
• Mac: Ctrl + Command + Q

Walking away from an unlocked device? Not so fast. (Click to play video 0:47)

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, an annual collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure we have the resources you need to maintain your security online. Throughout October, we’ll be sending you tips on protecting your information and avoiding malicious attempts to extract your personal data. See our past tips here.