RTC Business Communicator for Fall 2015

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FALL 2015 7
C ybercriminals are a sneaky bunch and the consequences of their actions
can range from poorly functioning computers to a devastating data loss.
Fight back by having your staff consistently take the following precautions:
1. Be sure all computers and mobile devices are running the latest operating
systems (OS). Malware creators are always adapting, and so are OS develop-
ers. If a vulnerability is identified, developers will fix it in the next update, so
you want to be sure you have it installed.
2. Use antivirus and antispyware software and keep it up to date. New threats are
discovered daily and keeping your software updated is one of the easiest ways
to protect your business from an attack; simply set your computers to auto-
matically update for you. Also, activate your firewall and regularly download
the security protection updates (known as patches) that are released by most
major software companies.
3. Educate your employees not to open email attachments from unknown
sources. Computer viruses are commonly spread through email attach-
ments so it’s vital to pay attention to the source before opening them.
In addition, make sure your employees don’t click on links within
unsolicited email messages.
4. Use long, complex passwords that are unique to each account. Each time
an employee creates a new password, it should be long (preferably at least
14 characters) and contain uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers,
and symbols. It’s also important to not use the same password for multiple
accounts and to change passwords regularly.
5. Only download software from reputable sites or stores. Cybercriminals tuck
malicious code into fake versions of the programs and apps that you want.
The best way to avoid a phony is to stick to official company websites and
app stores.
For more information about online security,
visit cert.gov/cas/tips.
Everyone at your business has a
hand in protecting against threats
TOP FIVE
ONLINE
Security Tips
COMPUTER-RELATED
HOAXES
RTC cares about your online
security, and wants to alert you
to several recent threats:
• RTC customers reported online
screen pop-ups that offered a
survey, supposedly from RTC.
The pop-up said there were
several prizes to choose from
and asked for a credit card
number.
• Other customers received emails
appearing to be sent from RTC,
which asked them to change their
account password and reply with
their username, current password,
and date of birth.
• Customers have also received
calls and emails from someone
claiming to be from Microsoft
or another large technology
company, offering to help solve
computer problems in exchange
for a credit card number.
Remember: You should never
provide your credit card number,
or other personal information, in
response to unsolicited messages
or calls.
Visit to learn
more about common scams and
get protection tips.