National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, held each October, allows Postal Service employees to brush up on their skills and learn how to protect USPS networks against potential cyberthreats.
This year’s theme is “Cybersecurity is Our Shared Responsibility and We All Must Work Together to Improve our Nation’s Cybersecurity.”
Here are some tips from the CyberSafe at USPS team:
• To stay vigilant against phishing attempts, be a SHARK. Remember to slow down, hover, ask questions, reach out and keep sensitive information private. If you’re in doubt, use the “Report to CyberSafe” button in the Outlook toolbar to report suspicious emails. The USPS ServiceNow site has instructions.
• Create strong “passphrases.” A passphrase is a unique set of words that serves as your password. For example, “be cybersafe” could be turned into: B3_Cyb3rS*f3.
• Separate for security. Never plug any personal or work devices into USPS computers, networks or equipment.
• Stay CyberSafe at home. Protect your personal information and ensure your personal devices, information and networks remain secure.
• Stay safe on the road, too. When traveling abroad for personal travel, don’t bring USPS-issued electronic devices. If you’re traveling internationally for the Postal Service, request authorization for use of USPS electronic devices and international VPN. Avoid public WiFi hotspots and charging station USB ports.
The CyberSafe at USPS National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Blue page has additional information.