What is the weakest link and the most common point of entry for unauthorized entry? People. Following are a few simple steps people can do to become stronger.
- People are naturally nice and helpful. For example, if someone in a UPS uniform has their hands full of boxes; would you hold open the key-code door for them if they followed you?
- When you set up the answers to security questions for yahoo, gmail, bank accounts, or whatever other online accounts which require you to name your pet’s name, your best friend’s name, or favorite sports team, do you answer with real answers? Are these real answers available for others to find out through regular conversation or social media? People should have a phrase they use which incorporates the answer, is easy to remember, and is not easily guessed. For example, if the question is, “What is your pet’s name?” The answer can be, “unicorn name” or “your unicorn”. If the question is, “Where did you go to high school?” The answer can be, “unicorn high school” or “to unicorn”.
- When your credit card company, Internet Company, or other legitimate business you regularly deal with sends you an email stating your statement is ready, your bill is due, or other message asking you to click on a link, what do you do? Even if you hover over the link and see that it goes to www.creditcardcompany.com/billpay/page/1234 so it looks ok, do you click on the link or do you open a browser and go to their webpage? Always open a browser and go to their website. Never click through links.