First Associated

Wisconsin’s trusted independent insurance agency for more than 50 years!

Cyber Attacks: Are You Prepared?

Unlike physical threats that prompt immediate action—like stopping, dropping, and rolling if you catch on fire—cyber threats are often difficult to identify and understand. Cyberattacks include threats such as viruses that can erase entire systems, intruders who break into systems and alter files, intruders who use your computer or device to attack others, and intruders who steal confidential information.

The spectrum of cyber risks is limitless; threats, some more serious and sophisticated than others, can have wide-ranging effects on the individual, community, organizational, and national levels.

Protecting Yourself Before a Cyber Attack Happens

You can increase your chances of avoiding cyber risks by implementing appropriate controls. The following are things you can do to protect yourself, your family, and your property before a cyber incident occurs:

  • Only connect to the internet over secure, password-protected networks.
  • Do not click on links or pop-ups, open attachments, or respond to emails from strangers.
  • Always enter a URL manually rather than clicking links if you are unsure of the sender.
  • Do not respond to online requests for personally identifiable information (PII). Most organizations—such as banks, universities, and businesses—will never ask for your personal information over the internet.
  • Limit who you share information with by reviewing the privacy settings on your social media accounts.
  • Trust your instincts. If you think an offer is too good to be true, it probably is.
  • Password-protect all devices that connect to the internet and all user accounts.
  • Do not reuse passwords—choose a password that means something to you and you alone. Change your passwords regularly (every 90 days or so).
  • If you see something suspicious, report it to the proper authorities.

The extent, nature and timing of cyber incidents are impossible to predict. There may or may not be any warning. Some cyber incidents take a long time (weeks, months, or years) to be discovered and identified.

What to Do During a Cyber Attack

Here are some of the steps you should take during a cyber attack:

Immediate Actions

  • Disconnect your computer from the internet!
  • Run a scan to ensure your system is not infected or behaving suspiciously.
  • Verify that the software on all your systems is up to date.
  • If you encounter an issue, keep your device disconnected from the internet and perform a complete system restore.

More About PII

PII is information that can be used to uniquely identify, contact, or locate a single person. PII includes, but is not limited to

  • Full Name
  • Social Security Number
  • Address
  • Date of Birth
  • Place of Birth
  • Driver’s License Number
  • Vehicle Registration Plate Number
  • Credit Card Numbers
  • Physical Appearance
  • Race and/or Gender

Take these steps if you believe your PII has been compromised:

  • Immediately change all passwords, starting with your financial passwords. If you used the same password across multiple accounts, change it for each account and do not reuse it.
  • If you believe the compromise was caused by malicious code, disconnect your computer from the internet.
  • Restart your computer in Safe Mode and perform a complete system restore.
  • Contact businesses and banks where you have accounts, as well as credit reporting companies.
  • Close any accounts that may have been compromised. Watch for any unexplained or unauthorized charges to your accounts.

At Home

  • Disconnect your device (e.g., computers, gaming systems, or tablets) from the internet. By disconnecting from the internet, you prevent attackers or viruses from accessing your computer and performing tasks such as locating personal data, manipulating or deleting files, or using your device to attack others.
  • If you have anti-virus software installed on your computer, perform a manual scan of your entire system. Run Windows Update or Software Update on Mac, and install all applicable patches to address known vulnerabilities.

*NOTE: Microsoft no longer supports Windows 10; therefore, systems running Windows 10 are not receiving security patches and updates for critical flaws being exploited by hackers. If possible, upgrade to Windows 11 or purchase a new computer that comes with Windows 11.

Click Here to Learn More About Windows 10 End Of Life

At Work

  • If you have access to an IT department, contact someone in it immediately. The sooner someone can investigate and clean your computer, the less damage it and other computers on the network will suffer.

If you believe you might have revealed sensitive information about your organization, report it to the appropriate people within the organization, including network administrators. They can be alert for any suspicious or unusual activity.

Public Locations

  • Immediately inform a manager or authority figure in charge. If someone has access to the IT department, contact them immediately.

What to Do After a Cyber Attack

In addition to insuring your home, First Associated Insurance Agencies is committed to helping you and your loved ones stay safe when disaster strikes. If you would like more information on how to protect yourself against a cyberattack, please contact us at (262) 288-2488 or visit https://www.firstassociated.com today.