Nick Powers, a cybersecurity expert with 15 years of experience and certifications in project management, highlights the critical need for cybersecurity awareness and practices. He provides foundational tips for securing home computing, wireless networks, cell phones, and social media, emphasizing the importance of strong passwords and regular updates. The document outlines the significant risks associated with cyber threats, such as malware and identity theft, and offers preventative measures to safeguard personal information.

1. Cybersecurity 101
Nick Powers
Vice President

2. Nick Powers
• 15 years of experience working in both public and private
sectors as a software developer, database architect and
project manager.
• A PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), ScrumMaster
and PMP, he holds Bachelor’s degrees in Management
Information Systems and Business Administration from SIUE.
• Worked for: StellarRad Technologies, National Geospatial
Intelligence Agency (NGA), Cerroflow Products, Anheuser
Busch, and US Army Surface Deployment and Distribution
Command (SDDC)
• Has spoken on cybersecurity for over 10 different conferences
/ meetings in the last 2 years.
• Manages over 35 of the best people in St. Louis

3. Cyber Attacks > $445 Billion Annually
• In 2014, nearly 50% of U.S. adults had personal
information stolen during the past 12 months
• Prevented companies from creating an estimated
200,000 jobs in the U.S. alone

4. Cybersecurity Basics
• Home Computing
• Home Wireless
• Cell Phones
• Social Media

5. Home Computing
• Use passwords that can't be easily guessed, and protect your passwords.
• Minimize storage of sensitive information.
• Beware of scams.
• Protect information when using the Internet and email.
• Make sure your computer is protected with anti-virus and all necessary security "patches" and
updates.
• Secure laptop computers and mobile devices at all times: Lock them up or carry them with you.
• Shut down or log off when not using computer
• Don't install or download unknown or unsolicited programs/apps.
• Secure your area before leaving it unattended.
• Make backup copies of files or data you are not willing to lose. Keep these backups secure.
http://its.ucsc.edu/security/top10.html

6. Home Wireless
• Change default administrator passwords and usernames on router
• Turn on wireless network encryption (WPA2/WPA2-AES)
• Change the default SSID (wireless name)
• Disable Wi-Fi Protected Setup (WPS)
• Ensure that your router has firewall turned on
• Turn off wireless if you are on vacation or away for an extended period
• DON’T CONNECT TO FREE HOTSPOTS (unless using VPN)
https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-home-network-security-tips-818355

7. Cell Phones
• Set a lock code
• Turn on “Do not track” on web browsers
• Avoid answering unknown numbers
• Install a recovery / location app (help find lost / stolen devices)
• Turn off wireless network auto-connect
• Turn off Bluetooth when not in use
• Backup your device
• Consider wiping phone from time to time – all important data is backed up
https://hbr.org/2016/09/your-biggest-cybersecurity-weakness-is-your-phone

8. Social Media
• Check haveibeenpwned.com
• Enable multi-factor authentication
• Avoid password reuse across sites – or “salt” your passwords
• Review and update your security settings regularly
• Ensure you verify “friends”
• Monitor news for security risks
• Remove critical personal information such as birthdate, address, phone
number, and email address.
https://www.lifewire.com/wireless-home-network-security-tips-818355

9. Biggest Risks
• Malware
• Ransomware
• Identity Theft

10. Prevention
• Monitoring – LifeLock or PrivacyGuard
• Use temporary credit card numbers for online purchases (do not store online)
• Vary passwords across sites, longer passwords are the hardest to crack
• For example: “1qaz@WSX3edc$RFV” is easier to crack than “Red Rover Red Rover,
send Captain Lydic right over”. (use a password manager – LastPass)
• Use backup services like BackBlaze or CrashPlan
• Update your computer and your anti-virus software
• If you get a call from someone you don’t know or a business you have never heard of, get
their contact information (name, address, phone, and website – if possible) and call
someone to check on the validity of the call.
• If you get a call from a credit card fraud department, take down their info and tell them
you’re going to call them back. Call the number on your card and ask to be transferred to
the fraud department. Verify the original call with the fraud department.

11. Crazy Stuff

12. www.aegis-strategies.com