Some of the most important takeaways from the March issue include the following:
WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT AGAINST WEB BROWSER ATTACKS?
Your information technology department and security office may have implemented a security policy in your organization’s environment, but we also encourage you to apply this information to your home computers/devices. This is especially critical if employees access their work network from their home computer. Use the following tips to help protect your system against web browser attacks:
• Keep your browsers updated and patched, and set them to auto update.
• Keep your operating system updated and patched.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keep them updated.
• Install a firewall and keep it updated and patched.
• Keep your applications (programs) updated and patched, particularly if they work with your browser (such as multi-media programs and plug-ins used to enable running of videos).
• Block pop-up windows, as this may help prevent malicious software from being downloaded to your computer. Note that the process for blocking varies depending on the browser you are using. Please refer to the links below for specific details.
• Consider disabling JavaScript, Java, and ActiveX controls when not being used. Activate these features only when necessary.
Please note, a number of these tips may impede your use of the Internet or limit the content you can access. If you find that you need ActiveX controls or you require JavaScript be enabled, set your browser to prompt you before running scripts.
You can read this issue and previous issues at the following links:
http://www.dir.texas.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Security/Reading%20Room/201203cybersec.pdf
http://www.dir.texas.gov/security/Pages/CyberSecurityTips.aspx