October Is Cybersecurity Awareness Month

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a reminder for NYCHA residents to adopt secure behaviors online that will benefit you both personally and professionally. When you take control of how you behave online, you’re playing a part in creating a strong security culture at home and at work.

Here are some tips for staying secure:

Practice safe digital habits 

Use a strong password – choose long passwords, 15 characters or more. You can use words, phrases, special characters, and numbers. Use a different password for each of your apps, games, or accounts. 

Watch out for “free stuff” – games, apps, or other downloads can hide bad software. 

Wi-fi in cafes or public spaces often isn’t secure. Don’t share personal info on public wi-fi. 

Don’t share personal details such as your full name or social security number on websites or with callers you don’t know. 

Attention kids! 

Don’t tell strangers online your name, where you live, or where you go to school. If someone asks, tell a trusted grown-up. 

Computer Confidence 

Take your time while browsing; don’t rush. 

Think before you click! Be careful when clicking on links in emails or messages on computer or phone, or pop-ups if you’re browsing online. 

If a site asks for your username and password, make sure it is secure with an https:// address. 

If you use social media… 

Review your privacy settings regularly or ask a trusted friend to help you. 

Don’t accept friend or connection requests from people you don’t know. 

Avoid the phish 

Phishing is when someone online tries to trick you into sharing private info or clicking on things that might not be safe.  

Know some of the ways that scammers try to trick people:        

• Requests for personal information 
• Asking you to click on a link or attachment 
• Email or message that says you’ve won a contest 

Be careful of messages asking for money. 

If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. 

Be wary of texts or emails requesting a NYCHA payment. NYCHA does not initiate contact via texts or emails requesting payment through apps or any other non-official methods.  

When in doubt, throw it out. Look at who sent the message. If it is from someone you don’t know, delete it. Most companies and groups won’t request your personal information through email. If you’re unsure, it’s better to give them a call directly. 

Get the free NYC Secure app (https://secure.nyc). The app can help protect your phone from cyber threats. It will send you an alert about a possible threat and offer advice about what to do. 

Attention seniors!

Reach out to a family member or trusted friend if you’re uncertain about an online request. 

Phone safety

Keep phones updated. Make sure your settings are set up to update things by themselves when they need to.  

Make sure you know how to make an emergency call from your phone. 

Don’t give out personal info over the phone to unknown callers.