Cybersecurity tips: Working from home

PHISHING ALERT:

Beware coronavirus scams!

During the coronavirus pandemic, you may get emails asking you to break City security protocol or reveal City data. Remember to never click a link or open an attachment from a sender you don't recognize! Scammers work hard to take advantage of people's anxieties and potential weaknesses, including those around this public health emergency. But with a sharp eye and careful clicking, you can stay safe from data thieves. Any time you are unsure, you can forward the message to itsecurityteam@boston.gov and we will let you know if it is a concern. Reporting emails like this can help inform others.

INSTALL UPDATES: 

Stay up to date and on guard.

Keeping device software up to date is vital to protect against the newest and most effective cyber threats. That's why City-issued computers are regularly updated and department IT staff work hard to ensure all City devices get bug fixes as fast as possible. But your personal devices are at risk of attacks, too. Turn on automatic software updates for your personal computer, phone, and tablet, especially if you use them to conduct City business. 

WI-FI WEAPONS: 

Make sure your connection is secure!

When you are working remotely, make sure you are connecting to a secure Wi-Fi network. This can be through your service at home, a private hotspot connection through your mobile device, or through another known network you trust. On the go, your device could be connecting to any number of Wi-Fi signals, so be sure to check in the upper right-hand corner to see which network you are on. Be careful on public networks. Any data you send or receive can be intercepted by even novice hackers. If you have a private internet connection at home, and you also need access to internal City applications, you can be added to the City's virtual private network (VPN).

SETUP A BACKUP DEVICE

While registering for Access Boston many of us used our City desk phones which can be problematic now that we’re at home. It’s a great idea to add a back-up device for your multi-factor authentication on Access Boston. A backup device(s) is added just in case you do not have access to the first device you registered with. Check out our directions to manage devices.

Thank you for keeping the City of Boston cybersecure! Additional cybersecurity tips about securing your home can be found online.