Technology is becoming more integrated into our daily routines and cyber security threats continue to advance with unsurpassable speed.  Michiganders must do everything they can to be protected.

Cyber criminals are using various means to exploit vulnerabilities in computer systems. According to the FBI Internet Crime Compliant Center’s (IC3) 2018 Internet Crime Report, Michigan citizens lost more than $80.9 million from cyber crimes in 2014.

To protect yourself, your family and your property before a cyber-attack occurs:

• Only connect to the Internet over secure, password- protected networks.
• Do not click on links or pop-ups, open attachments, or respond to emails from strangers.
• Always enter a URL by hand instead of following links if you are unsure of the sender.
• Do not respond to online requests for Personally Identifiable Information (PII); most organizations—banks, universities, companies, etc.—do not ask for your personal information over the Internet.
• Limit who you are sharing information with by reviewing the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
• Trust your intuition; if you think an offer is too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Password protect all devices that connect to the Internet and user accounts.
• Do not use the same password twice; choose a password that means something to you and you only; change your passwords on a regular basis.
• If you see something suspicious, report it to the proper authorities.

For more information, go to www.michigan.gov/cybersecurity.

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force