The Postal Service is reminding employees and contractors to take steps to ensure their smart devices don’t compromise the organization’s cybersecurity.
Smart devices — including phones, tablets, watches, fitness trackers, medical monitors, appliances and televisions — can connect to the internet and interact via Wi-Fi. This network is known as the Internet of Things.
These devices are convenient, but they pose cybersecurity risks because users don’t always maintain proper security updates or use strong passwords.
To limit cybersecurity breaches:
• Stay current on all software updates and security patches.
• Disable the online connection if a device can operate without connecting to the internet.
• Change the default passwords and create unique passwords and passphrases.
• Use a router to keep devices secure when connecting to the internet at home.
• Never plug your personal smart devices into USPS equipment.
The CyberSafe at USPS Blue and LiteBlue pages have more information.
