Dear Editor,

October marks the 15th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month (NCSAM). This collaborative effort between government, private and nonprofit organizations helps teach everyone how to enhance and secure our digital lives.

Regardless of whether you’ve experienced identity theft or other cybersecurity threats firsthand, chances are that cybersecurity news has filtered into your life in one form or another.

According to Hartford Steam Boiler, 80 percent of U.S. consumers now have a home Internet network, and one in ten consumers have experienced a cyberattack through their home networks. With the increasing number of cyberincidents, it’s imperative to know how to protect your home from cybercrime and what to do if you fall victim to it.

Though relatively easy to use and access, Internet networks are not always secure networks. For this reason, learning how to secure your home network against cybercriminals it vital to ensuring your family’s safety. So, what can you do to combat cyber crime?

It may seem obvious, but be sure to create strong, unique passwords, be mindful of the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks, analyze your social media habits and invest in security software, such as a Windstream Shield package equipped with identity theft protection and an online data backup tool. Cybercrime can happen without much warning, so it is important to cover all of your bases.

As one of the state’s leading Internet providers, Windstream encourages everyone to be smart about cybersecurity. We have committed ourselves to providing the latest technology to households and businesses all across Alabama to make sure everyone is safe from cyberthreats. Don’t click, don’t overshare and keep your personal information private.

Still feeling unsure about cybersecurity? Talk to your Internet service provider about ways you can further secure your data and personal information. Whether you are tech savvy or an Internet newcomer, we are more than happy to counsel you and your loved ones on what measures to take to protect yourself against cybercrime.

Stacy Hale

President – Alabama Operation, Windstream