Stay Safe Digitally

As cyberattacks become increasingly common, residents of Kentucky must understand how to protect themselves and their families. Cyberattacks can lead to financial loss, identity theft and threaten security systems. Being prepared and taking preventive measures can significantly reduce these risks.

KYEM collaborates with The Kentucky Office of Homeland Security’s Kentucky Intelligence Fusion Center to improve intelligence sharing among public safety and public service agencies at the federal, state, and local levels. 

Understanding Cyberattacks

Cyberattacks are malicious attempts to access or damage computer systems, networks, or devices. They can lead to financial losses, theft of personal information and disruption of services like transportation and power. Cyber threats can come from phishing emails, malware and unauthorized access to personal accounts.

Preventative Measures

Implementing strong security practices helps protect you from cyberattacks.

Be cautious about your online information and adjust privacy settings to limit exposure. Frequently backup important data to secure cloud storage or external drives, keeping a second backup copy off-site.

Install and maintain robust firewall and antivirus software on all computers and smart devices. Make sure all Wi-Fi networks are secure with strong passwords and regularly updated, enabling WPA3 encryption when possible. When it comes to smart home devices, consider setting up a separate network just for them.

Your Cybersecurity Action Plan

Having a cybersecurity plan can help mitigate the impact of an attack. Start by teaching family members how to recognize a phishing attempt and to avoid suspicious links or downloads.

You should back up important data regularly and store it in a secure location, making sure all family members know how to access it. Ensure your home network is protected with a strong password and encryption, and that those tools are up to date. Businesses should also develop IT disaster recovery plans to ensure continuity in the event of an attack.

Defending Your Digital Presence

As cyber threats become more common and advanced, it is important to act fast when you suspect your information has been accessed without your permission.

Disconnect affected devices from the internet and perform a full security scan. Report the incident to your employer or school if it involves work or school systems and do not provide control of your device to anyone claiming to fix it unless verified through official channels.

These safety tips will help you act fast if you think your devices or information have been hacked:

• Disconnect immediately: If you suspect a cyber attack, disconnect affected cars or devices from the internet and Bluetooth.
• Check your accounts: Look for unauthorized activity in your personal and financial accounts, reporting any issues to the relevant parties. Do not click on suspicious links or provide personal information to unverified sources.
• Change the passwords: Update passwords for all accounts, starting with the most sensitive ones, like banking and email. Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication whenever possible.
• Keep your vehicle secure: Make sure your car’s software is updated, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi and disable Bluetooth when not in use.
• Get help: If your personal information has been compromised, contact cybersecurity professionals for assistance.

Stay vigilant, stay updated and protect your digital presence just as diligently you would your physical presence.

Report, Recover, Monitor

After an attack, notify your bank, credit card company and any other appropriate organizations. You should always alert the local police, Federal Trade Commission and the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center. Check your credit reports for any unauthorized accounts and take steps to secure your personal information, including changing all online passwords. After the affected information has been recovered, continue to monitor your accounts to catch future cyberattack attempts.