When it comes to keeping our information secure, many of us seem to be at a loss. With technology rapidly changing like it does, it’s difficult to stay aware of the latest trends and the latest malware attack. Remember to update those systems. To help, we’ve reached out to top computer security experts in the field to share their view. We asked them to share two important computer security tips that they wish the general public knew. Below you’ll find the responses to the question we posed:

What are two facts that you wish the general public knew about computer security?

Meet our Panel of Cyber Security Experts:

Edward Kiledjan Cody Reichert Robert Siciliano Tim Platt Michael Bremmer Dr. Tom Keenan Mark Rapley Andrew Bycroft Dave Tyson Rodrigo Montagner Danny Pehar Rob Holmes Matt Ham Tyson Supasatit Justin Lavelle Lauren McDonough

EDWARD KILEDJIAN

Edward Kiledjan has been in the industry for 20 years helping organizations large and small achieve their maximum potential by leveraging proven frameworks, implementing efficient operational models and developing new revenue streams.

My two facts about computer security are…

Keep your software and operating system updated. Regularly check for and install all manufacturer provided updates. If the provider does not regularly provide updates (cheap IOT devices, Most Android phones, etc.), just buy something else. Use long, complicated passwords that are unique for each internet site. Many times your information is leaked because a website you are using had sloppy security practices and now your data is floating around the darker regions of cyberspace. If you reuse the same password (or derivative) everywhere, hackers will find out and use your accounts. Use unique long passwords that you change regularly. You can use a free password manager to help you remember them (KeepassX, LastPass, etc.).

ROBERT SICILIANO

Robert Siciliano is CEO of IDTheftSecurity.com.

My two facts about computer security are…

​Set up all software including operating system, every program, and antivirus to automatically update. Consumers don’t do manual updates well and often lead to vulnerabilities. Whenever on public wi-fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) software to encrypt all communications otherwise your data will be sniffed out.

MICHAEL BREMMER

Michael Bremmer is best known for founding TQI, helping businesses by being their de facto CIO, and finding unique ways to make their technology “roll up its sleeves and go to work”.

My two facts about computer security are…

If it seems suspicious…it probably is. If people would remember the words they were taught as a child, “Stop, look, listen”, many security breaches could be avoided. Trust but verify. It’s a lot harder to “redirect” phone calls than it’s emails/fake links. If something doesn’t feel right, call and verify with a publically available number. Any business would rather have you verify a transaction than suffer a security breach.

MARK RAPLEY

Mark Rapley is Director of Operations with KWIC Internet, overseeing regulatory affairs, sales, marketing, and product development. His background in technology combines with his education in the arts to give him a unique perspective on problem-solving and creative strategy in a rapidly changing industry.

My fact about computer security is…

I wish more people knew that just because a device is brand new, it doesn’t mean that it’s safe. Many of those shiny and new devices come preinstalled with vulnerable adware, which behaves as a backdoor for easy security breaches. Also, it’s important to know that even the most reputable and popular antivirus software can be riddled with security vulnerabilities. Many companies do their best to patch and protect against problems arising from these weaknesses, but others may use them as an opportunity to pin attacks stemming from them on the system itself, typically as a means to sell their software and treat it as a “must-buy” item. Regular software updates are crucial in this regard, as they help to safeguard your system as best as possible regardless of what antiviral software or device you are using. In truth, however, the general public should never expect to be completely 100% protected and secure. The risk will always be there.

DAVE TYSON

Dave Tyson is CEO of CISO INSIGHTS, a global Cyber Security consultancy with operations in the USA and Canada that combines the expertise of multiple globally experienced CISO’s and CSO’s.

My fact about computer security is…

I wish the public was as skeptical in the cyber world as they’re in the physical world; most people wouldn’t walk down a dark alley to buy a watch out of the trunk of a car from a guy named Vito, but online they will assume everything is safe! If the public would just assume some level of distrust when someone emails, calls or send them a weblink, there would be fewer folks taken advantage of in the world. Understand the memory of the Internet and what they do on their computer, or phone, today stays around forever. Once indexed by internet search engines, registered in global internet service provider databases, or uploaded to “private” applications like Snapchat, Tinder, or other sharing programs, it’s there for good…even if not intended, please cover your camera lens when not in use, they can be used to upload images of you even when you don’t want them to.

DANNY PEHAR

Danny Pehar is a bestselling author, cyber security expert and President of Cyber Insurance Education.

My two facts about computer security are…

I wish people knew that 95% of all security computer breaches are connected to some type of human error. I wish people knew how serious cyber security crime really is. Studies show that cyber crime damage costs will hit $6 trillion annually by 2021.

MATT HAM

Matt Ham is the owner of Computer Repair Doctor, a chain of phone and computer repair stores across the country.

My two facts about computer security are…

You don’t need a paid antivirus. Many of those common “big” antivirus programs slow down your computer. Windows Defender is smooth and runs in the background while it does its job. It will give you the rare notification that isn’t intrusive or distracting, but that’s how you know it’s working. Plus it’s free. The best way to protect yourself online is through common sense. More than anything else, the best way to protect yourself online is by using common sense. Be careful what you’re clicking on, what attachments you’re opening, what you’re downloading, and who you’re trusting. Browse with caution and just use common sense.

JUSTIN LAVELLE

Justin Lavelle is the CCO for BeenVerified, a leading source of online background checks and contact information. It allows individuals to find more information about people, phone numbers, email addresses, property records, and criminal records in a way that’s fast, easy, and affordable.

My two facts about computer security are…

Tape Over Your Webcam. There’s no reason not to. Concerned-about-hackers Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg does it. If you don’t, there could be someone spying on you right now. You would never know, either. Update Your Web Browser. Surfing the web without an updated browser is like swimming with sharks. It’s not really a matter of if, but when, a cybercriminal will spot you floundering on the Internet without a cage and attack. Web browsers often have security updates that require a browser update to take effect. To make sure you’re using the latest version, visit the homepage of the browser you’re using. It will let you know directly when you arrive to the page.

CODY REICHERT

Cody Reichert is the founder of Assertible and passionate about programming, quality, and security.

My two facts about computer security are…

Your emails are not secure. All the time, I see people (and worse, companies) sending passwords and sensitive data via email. This isn’t good – you should know that your email is not secure and is one of the easier ways your data can be intercepted. Every website should use https, and if doesn’t, don’t put in your passwords, credit card, or any other sensitive information. More and more websites are using https, because it’s important. Be weary of inputting anything about yourself on non-https websites.

TIM PLATT

Tim Platt has almost 25 years of experience in multiple areas of technology including programming, networking, databases, cloud computing, security, and project management. He currently works at Virtual Operations, LLC, providing technology consulting in the Orlando, FL area.

My two facts about computer security are…

Everybody is a target. Individuals and small business owners often believe they’re “safe”, because they view themselves as too small, or too unimportant to be worth targeting by malicious hackers. The thing I wish everyone would understand is the scope and scale of automated security attacks that exist – there is much, much more automated security breach attempts than those done manually (of course some are a combination – hackers use a script to find vulnerable computers, then exploit individually). These scripts or programs can operate on a massive scale, and can reach anyone on the Internet, globally. Therefore, the takeaway is that everyone – every computer, every device needs to be hardened against security threats, and security best practices applied. Security defense in depth is the best approach. No single security mechanism is adequate protection against all security threats. What does this mean practically to an individual or small business owner? You must have a firewall (running latest firmware with no bugs), you must apply security patches to your OS and applications regularly (that includes your phone and tablet), and you should run antivirus or anti-malware in most cases as well.

TOM KEENAN

Dr. Tom Keenan taught Canada’s first computer security course in in 1974. Since then, he has been a keen observer of IT security, an in-demand conference speaker, and the author of the bestselling book Technocreep: The Surrender of Privacy and the Capitalization of Intimacy.

My two facts about computer security are…

People are currently the problem. From Ransomware to phishing to advanced fee fraud scams, it’s almost always the human factor that causes the problem. We’re too eager to click on that link that has a great job offer or our kids soccer practice photos. We believe somebody wants to give us a lot of money, because they’re dying of cancer in some far away place. We just don’t realize that “too good to be true” really means that. Machines will soon become the problem. The proliferation of the Internet of Things means that in the future we will need to worry about our smart light bulbs, refrigerators, security cameras, etc. Not only may they disclose confidential information (Roomba vacuums send the floor plan of your house to the manufacturer), but they can be hijacked as “zombie devices” as in the attack on October 2016 attack on New Hampshire company Dyn which took Netflix, Twitter and Spotify out of service in large parts of the U.S. The culprit turned out to be poorly secured IoT devices that were put on a botnet by bad guys.

ANDREW BYCROFT

Andrew Bycroft is an author, highly sought after public speaker and advisor to company directors and company executives who want to beat the rising cost of cybercrime. Bycroft taps into over 20 years of experience to address the 70% of cybercrime that technology can’t solve.

My two facts about computer security are…

Technology can only solve 30% of the cybercrime problem; the other 70% will be solved by psychology. As such we need to stop using technology as a crutch but instead make it an enabler and focus on the people problem that cybercrime is. After all cybercrime is caused by people and affects people. Technology is just the filler in a people sandwich. Cyber security isn’t the solution to cybercrime. The word security means “to be free from danger”. That is simply not possible. Instead we need to focus on a real solution to the problem which is achievable. Take the term cyber resilience. Resilience means “to overcome adversity”. Some may say that it’s just a word – what difference can changing one word make? Consider what happened when we changed from “flat” to “spherical” in the context of describing the Earth.

READ MORE: Cyber Security Predictions for 2018: The Top Experts Speak

RODRIGO MONTAGNER

Rodrigo Montagner has been an IT Executive and Security Officer for over 20 years in various industries.

My two facts about computer security are…

Don’t underestimate personal or professional devices’ maintenance and update (hardware and software update and cleansing). Most people and companies don’t regularly clean logical paths on their devices by running updates and cleansing tools from time to time, leaving logical footsteps for invaders who know where to look: Clean up, update! Back it up and Don’t be naive: everything you put on the internet is and will NOT be 100% safe all the time, and most of the time, depending of the type of file, it can be on the internet forever. So, personal memorabilia, personal videos and footages CAN really be hosted somewhere over the internet forever regardless you like it or not, if you get leaked. So make sure you back it up properly (cloud and physically) and be conscious about all the information you post or upload over the web.

ROB HOLMES

Rob Holmes conducted some of the world’s first cyber investigations, and pioneered the study of the “virtual crime scene”. Over the last decade, Rob and his company have led the charge against the growing trend of data leaks, piracy and online threats for their many regular VIP clients, many of whom are featured on the Forbes® list The World’s Most Valuable Brands.

My two facts about computer security are…

Computer security has nothing to do with computers and everything to do with old-school security. Even in the virtual world, there are “doors” that people forget to lock. With every new tool, there is a new door that needs to be locked. The more tools, the more doors that can be left open. Convenience and security are natural enemies. This means that, the more secure the facility, the harder it is for “authorized” personnel to enter. This applies to the web as well. There is no such things as a convenient web portal/account that is secure. If you are not asked for more than a password, you might as well be naked.

TYSON SUPASATIT

Tyson Supasatit is product manager at ExtraHop and frequent blogger on the ExtraHop blog, most recently writing about Threat Hunting.

My two facts about computer security are…

I wish the general public knew that most computer security issues can be avoided by the user themselves. Many attacks require some action on the part of the user, such as opening an infected file attachment or visiting non-reputable websites. So in addition to updating their software and using antivirus, people should be suspicious of messages that seem strange and avoid visiting sites that spread malware.

2. I wish the general public knew how dangerous it can be to connect locks, appliances, cars, and other everyday appliances to the Internet. We have only scratched the surface of how connected devices will permeate our lives. As connected devices become more common, cyber criminals will have more incentive to target users with ransomware that will lock up their refrigerator, for example. Industry standards for Internet-connected consumer devices will help.

LAUREN MCDONOUGH

Lauren McDonough is a Mobile Provisioning Executive at iData, and she’s passionate about communications and security (my password isn’t ‘password’).

My two facts about computer security are…

Keeping your software up to date is crucial. Many of users guilty of putting off that Windows 10 update, but there’s a reason why Microsoft doesn’t let you skip updates. Updates don’t just improve apps and operating systems, they also close holes in security that hackers could take advantage of. Cyber crime costs the world economy $450 billion, so try not to add to that cost.

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