Make a cybersecurity list & check it twice! 📝
✓ Unique 12+ character passwords for each account
✓ Use a password manager
✓ Enable MFA everywhere
✓ Auto-update software
✓ Spot & report phishing
Give yourself peace of mind! 🎁
#CyberSafeDC
Keep Software Updated 🔁
Protect your phones, computers, tablets, and even smart devices by keeping software current.
Updates patch security flaws and add protection while you shop online.
#CyberSafeDC
🔒 Lock Down Your Login
Never share passwords or personal/financial info from unsolicited emails.
Don't fill out every field if you're uncomfortable.
Too much info required? Find another retailer.
#CyberSafeDC
Network security is critical when conducting financial transactions online.
🛜 Use Secure Wi-Fi to shop or access banking.
If you must use public Wi-Fi, protect yourself with a VPN (virtual private network) or use your mobile device as a personal hotspot.
#CyberSafeDC
Naughty or Nice? Shop Secure Websites.
📲Pro tip: Before you buy, check the URL. Look for "https://" — that 's' matters and means the site is SSL-protected and your info is encrypted.
🚫No ‘s’? No purchase!
🛍️🔒Stay safe out there.
#CyberSafeDC
💳 Keep your accounts merry & bright!
Check your financial accounts regularly for suspicious activity.
Set up text/email alerts from your bank or credit card company for instant notifications.
#CyberSafeDC
🤔💭 Think Before You Click! 🖱️🔗
Scam emails spike during the holidays.
Don't open emails from unknown senders or click suspicious links.
Avoid that lump of coal—stay alert!
#CyberSafeDC
That Black Friday email sounds too good to be true?
It's probably a trap.
Our latest OCTOpod reveals the cybersecurity rules to follow to keep you safe this holiday season.
15 minute listen. Could save everything.
🎧 s.dc.gov/OCTOPOD
#CyberSafeDC
🎅 Is that a legitimate vendor or a scammer in disguise?
Before you buy, verify you're shopping with reputable, established retailers.
🚫Don't share personal/financial info with unverified sources!
#CyberSafeDC
OCTO is offering FREE Tech 101 Workshops to help you stay safe online🛡️📲
Learn about:
🔒 Password management tools
🎣 How to spot phishing attempts
🛒 Secure online shopping practices
📱 Device security 101
📍Find a workshop near you: s.dc.gov/techworkshops
#CyberSafeDC
🎁 Holiday shopping is here!
Stay cyber-smart while checking off your gift list.
Keep your data safe this season and beyond. 🔒
Find cybersecurity tips and more at:
s.dc.gov/online-cybersafe-shopping-tips
#CyberSafeDC
Don’t get tricked by hackers! 👻
Treat yourself to strong cybersecurity habits:
🍬 Strong passwords
🍬 Multi-factor authentication
🍬 Spot the phish
🍬 Update your devices
Happy Halloween, DC! 🎃
#CyberSafeDC
“Cybersecurity is about protecting our residents, our services, and our future. Every action—big or small—counts.”
🎥 ⏯️ A message from DC Chief Technology Officer, Stephen N. Miller
#CyberSafeDC
Fake profiles are common online. Cybercriminals use them to steal your trust—and your data.
➡️TIP: Only accept friend requests from people you know in real life. When in doubt, don’t click “Accept.”
#CyberSafeDC
🔒 Your data is valuable—treat it like cash.
✔️ Back it up regularly.
✔️ Share only what’s necessary.
✔️ Store it securely.
#CyberSafeDC
💡Fun fact: Most cyberattacks can be stopped by simple habits—like updates, backups, and reporting suspicious messages.
🛡️Be part of the solution.
#CyberSafeDC
🚫Don’t take the bait. 🎣
Phishing emails often:
➡️Urge urgent action
➡️Contain typos or strange links
➡️Pretend to be someone you know
Stop. Think. Verify before clicking.
#CyberSafeDC
AI tools often pull information from the internet. 💬
Anything you post publicly could be stored, copied, or reused.
💡TIP: Think before you share. Once it’s online, AI may already have it.
#CyberSafeDC
💻 Public Wi-Fi is convenient, but not always safe
Cybercriminals can spy on your data if it’s unprotected
✔️Avoid accessing sensitive info on open networks
✔️Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) when possible, to encrypt your connection, especially on public Wi-Fi
#CyberSafeDC
📧 That “urgent” email asking for your info? Probably a trick.
✅Hover over links.
✅Double-check the sender.
✅When in doubt, don’t click.
#CyberSafeDC
🛑🚪Leaving your device unlocked is like leaving your front door open.
👉Set auto-lock.
👉 Use biometric login or a passcode.
🔒📲Add a second lock on your digital doors.
Turn on multifactor authentication (MFA) for your accounts.
Small steps = big protection.
#CyberSafeDC
🔑 Your password is the first line of defense. Make it long, unique, and hard to guess.
Regularly changing passwords every three months is a common recommendation to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.
📝Tip: Use a password manager to help you keep track.
#CyberSafeDC
Cybercriminals are using AI to trick people. Some tools can even mimic voices or faces (called “deepfakes”).
Protect yourself with the “Core 4”:
✔ Strong passwords
✔ Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
✔ Regular software updates
✔ Report suspicious emails or messages
#CyberSafeDC
Our CISO and his team are monitoring, securing, and protecting our systems daily – our united vigilance makes all the difference.
This month, join us in keeping DC #CyberSafeDC and tips to building safer digital habits that protect you, your home, workplace, and our community.
#DCtech
