As part of National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM), we're sharing quick safety tips to improve online data security.

Cyber security is needed across all levels of Internet users. From individual consumers, to small businesses, large corporations, government, and educational institutions. We all need to follow safety best practices and support ongoing efforts to improve cyber security.

National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM) – celebrated every October - was created as a collaborative effort between government and industry to ensure every American has the resources they need to stay safer and more secure online.

Each week in October we bring you five useful tip practices that can help protect you, your business, and even your home and personal information.

5 Quick tips to better online security awareness

More and more our lives are connected to the Internet. At work and at home, we are leading more connected, digital lives. Ensuring Internet safety isn't just a job for security experts. It's the responsibility of every user to protect their data and their devices.

Better online security maximizes the benefit from digitally enhanced e-commerce, personal communication, community interaction, and content engagement.

Let's dive right in with 5 top tips for online safety and information security:

1. Train Every Employee on Online Security

   If you run IT for an organization, train your employees. Make a note to schedule a lunch session where you can update them on your policies and provide some practical tips. If you are a parent or guardian, take some time to get educated and share your insights with your family. Get started here.

Anti-virus, firewall, are non-negotiable


2. Keep your equipment clean. Install and update antivirus software, spyware protection, and firewalls. There are free options that organizations can use for anti-virus and malware protection, but be sure that you're getting it from a reputable source. Stick with recommendations from major Internet sites, when in doubt, purchase from a recognized vendor.

Limit access to information


3. Limit access to systems on a “need-to-know basis.” Set clear policies within your organization that control access to mission-critical software and devices. At home, enforce privacy protections and admin controls.

Be cautious on public Internet connections


4. Be WiFi smart.

   If haven't done so already, adjust the security settings on your device to limit access to only you and your trusted associates. Also, limit your activities on public, non-encrypted WiFi, and do not share any financial or other personal information over public WiFi.

Keep your web server up-to-date and implement the latest security options


5. If you operate a web server, deploy Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS). Check out this helpful guide to get started.