3 November 2016

 Advice to NZNO Members on how to be safer online

Tips from www.connectsmart.govt.nz  (there is more information on this site)

Password protect all your devices

• Make sure your desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and mobile phones are all secured with different passwords
• Use strong or complex passwords (by including a range of upper and lower case letters, numbers and punctuation), particularly for your email and online banking
• Change these passwords regularly

Secure your computer

• Install adequate firewalls
• Keep your anti-virus software up to date
• Ensure your operating software is up to date
• Ensure that you have information safely backed-up. If disposing of a computer, make sure you have removed all personal data and take steps to clean the hard drive.

Be cautious with emails

• Be suspicious of emails from people you don’t know or that look unusual – it may be spam email with malicious software attached
• Delete any suspicious emails or phishing threats without opening them
• Never reply with further information. Even if the threat isn’t real, replying confirms to the sender that your email address is legitimate, and it will increase the amount of spam you receive
• Do not open any attachments if the source of the message is unknown or suspicious – do not enable macros on documents from an untrustworthy sender
• If you open a spam email or its attachments at work, contact your IT department immediately
• If the source appears to be from a legitimate New Zealand company, we recommend reporting it to your IT or security team so they can identify the threat and warn their customers
• Be suspicious of links directing you to unknown websites. If you are not sure, don’t click on them. Hover over links to check if they are legitimate – and only visit trusted or reputable sites. A secure and authentic website will have two e-security symbols: a closed padlock and https:// in the address bar
• Before giving out your email address online, read the website privacy policy – it will tell you how they will use your personal information.
• Stop and think before signing up to any online services with your work email address – does your work have a policy in place about using your work email? Would it be better to use your personal email?

Be cautious on social media

• Be suspicious of links shared to unknown websites – even if they are from your friends. If you are not sure, don’t click on them. Only visit trusted or reputable sites. A secure and authentic website will have two e-security symbols: a closed padlock and https:// in the address bar
• Limit the amount and type of identity information you share about yourself, friends and family on your online accounts
• Be aware of, and check your privacy settings, on social media sites
• Change your password relatively often and ensure it is secure, with a mixture of capital and lowercase letters, number and symbols.

Also, please look on the netsafe website for information about phishing.

https://www.netsafe.org.nz/phishing/.

To contact us about the release of member email addresses in error please email:

communications@nzno.org.nz.