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Best defense? Good offense

Tips to keep postal network secure

All USPS employees and contractors can help protect postal systems from cyberthreats.

Defending the Postal Service’s computer network from attack requires a good offense.

While the Corporate Information Security Office (CISO) leads the daily charge of defending the network, all contractors and employees — including Postmasters, retail associates, maintenance staff and others — play a role in protecting USPS systems from cyberthreats.

To keep the postal network secure — and to continue the principles highlighted during National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October — CISO offers the following tips:

• Get trained. Take your assigned security training when it becomes available in HERO.

• Beware. Learn to avoid social engineering techniques, which cybercriminals often use to trick unsuspecting victims into sharing valuable information.

• Keep it secure. Poor cybersecurity behaviors — such as sharing passwords or connecting to the USPS network using someone else’s login information — can leave employees and the Postal Service vulnerable to cyberattacks.

• Be cautious. Cybercriminals often send convincing messages that appear to come from trustworthy organizations to con users into sharing passwords, account numbers and other information.

• Report it. If you receive a suspicious email or online message, don’t forward it. Instead, use the “Report to CyberSafe” button on the Outlook toolbar, call 866-877-7247 or send an email to CyberSafe@usps.gov to report it.

Employees can also play a larger role in securing the network by becoming a CyberSafe Guardian.

The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages have more information.