Cyber Hygiene & Security Course 2025

Essential Practices for Digital Protection

Security Training Team

2025-06-25

Cyber Hygiene & Security Course 2025

Welcome

Essential Practices for Digital Protection

Security Training Team

Based on U.S. Secret Service guidance
Updated for 2025 threat landscape

Why This Matters

95% of breaches caused by human error

$4.45M average cost of data breach

280 days to identify and contain breach

Today’s Threat Reality

  • AI-powered attacks
  • Remote workforce expansion
  • Cloud-first environments
  • IoT device proliferation
  • Supply chain vulnerabilities
  • Ransomware evolution

Course Objectives

  • Personal computer security best practices
  • Point-of-sale (POS) system protection
  • Current threat landscape understanding
  • Incident response procedures
  • Security culture development

Part 1: Personal Computer Security

Password Management

“Strong authentication is your first line of defense”

Use a Password Manager

  • Generate unique, complex passwords
  • Store credentials securely
  • Sync across devices safely
  • Never remember passwords again

Enable Multi-Factor Authentication

  • Email accounts - critical protection
  • Banking - financial security
  • Social media - identity protection
  • Work systems - business protection

Password Best Practices

  • Minimum 12 characters
  • Mix of upper, lower, numbers, symbols
  • Never reuse across accounts
  • Consider passkeys when available

Operating System Security

“Keep your systems updated”

Enable Automatic Updates

  • Operating system patches
  • Security updates get priority
  • Configure automatic restarts
  • Don’t delay critical updates

Use Supported Systems

  • Avoid end-of-life operating systems
  • Plan regular OS upgrades
  • Verify vendor security support
  • Legacy systems = security risk

Built-in Security Features

  • Windows Defender - enable it
  • macOS XProtect - built-in protection
  • Built-in firewalls - turn them on
  • Real-time protection - keep it active

Remote Access Security

“Remote access can be exploited by attackers”

Disable RDP Unless Necessary

  • Business operations only
  • Alternative solutions preferred
  • Regular usage audits
  • Most home users don’t need it

Secure Remote Access

  • VPN connections mandatory
  • Strong authentication required
  • Monitor access logs regularly
  • Use dedicated solutions when possible

Browser Security

“Web browsers are common attack vectors”

Keep Browsers Updated

  • Enable automatic browser updates
  • Update extensions regularly
  • Install security patches promptly
  • Outdated browsers = vulnerable

Manage Active Content

  • Disable JavaScript when not needed
  • Manage Java and ActiveX carefully
  • Review plugin security regularly
  • Less active content = less risk

Browser Extensions

  • Regular review and removal
  • Trust only reputable sources
  • Minimal permissions principle
  • Use ad blockers for protection

Email Security

“Email remains a primary attack vector”

Suspicious Attachments

  • Never open from unknown senders
  • Verify unexpected attachments
  • Use alternative communication channels
  • When in doubt, don’t open it

Social Engineering Awareness

  • Urgent requests for money/credentials
  • Impersonation attempts
  • Pressure tactics recognition
  • Trust your instincts

Wi-Fi Security

“Secure your wireless connections”

Strong Encryption

  • WPA3 preferred (WPA2 minimum)
  • Strong wireless passwords
  • Regular password changes
  • Avoid WEP encryption

Router Security

  • Change default credentials
  • Update firmware regularly
  • Disable WPS functionality
  • Use generic network names

Data Backup Strategy

“The 3-2-1 Backup Rule”

The 3-2-1 Rule Explained

  • 3 copies of important data
  • 2 different media types
  • 1 copy stored offsite

Backup Best Practices

  • Store backups offline (air-gapped)
  • Test restoration procedures regularly
  • Encrypt backup data
  • Automate the process

Part 2: Point-of-Sale Security

POS Access Control

“Protecting payment data”

Change Default Passwords

  • Immediately after installation
  • All vendor-provided credentials
  • System-wide password changes
  • Document the changes

Strong Password Policies

  • Minimum 12-character complexity
  • Regular password rotation
  • Unique passwords per user
  • No shared accounts

Multi-Factor Authentication

  • All POS system access
  • Administrative functions
  • Remote access scenarios
  • Third-party vendor access

POS Network Isolation

“Isolate POS systems from general network”

Restrict Internet Access

  • No general web browsing
  • No email access
  • POS-related traffic only
  • Business justification required

Network Segmentation

  • Dedicated networks/VLANs
  • Firewall protection
  • Traffic monitoring
  • Access control lists

POS Physical Security

“Daily physical inspections matter”

Daily Terminal Inspection

  • Check for unauthorized hardware
  • Look for tampering evidence
  • Verify device integrity
  • Document any anomalies

Common Physical Threats

  • Card skimmers
  • Hidden cameras
  • USB devices
  • Network taps
  • Overlay devices

Staff Training

  • Threat recognition
  • Reporting procedures
  • Security awareness
  • Incident response

Part 3: 2025 Threat Landscape

Ransomware Evolution

“More sophisticated and targeted”

Double Extortion Tactics

  • Data theft before encryption
  • Public data exposure threats
  • Multiple pressure points
  • Compliance implications

Advanced Targeting

  • Backup system attacks
  • Critical infrastructure focus
  • Supply chain targeting
  • High-value data identification

Never Pay Ransoms

Paying ransoms:

  • Funds criminal operations
  • Doesn’t guarantee data recovery
  • Makes you a target for future attacks
  • May violate sanctions laws

AI-Powered Attacks

“Artificial intelligence weaponized”

Deepfake Technology

  • Convincing audio impersonation
  • Video manipulation
  • Real-time voice cloning
  • Executive impersonation

Automated Attack Tools

  • Vulnerability scanning
  • Exploit generation
  • Password cracking
  • Network reconnaissance

Defense Adaptations

  • Zero-trust verification
  • Multi-channel confirmation
  • Out-of-band verification
  • Enhanced training

Business Email Compromise

“Enhanced with AI and deeper reconnaissance”

Advanced Reconnaissance

  • Social media analysis
  • Company hierarchy research
  • Communication pattern analysis
  • Vendor relationship mapping

AI-Enhanced Deception

  • Voice synthesis technology
  • Video manipulation
  • Writing style mimicry
  • Context-aware messaging

Protection Measures

  • Multi-step authentication
  • Out-of-band confirmation
  • Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC)
  • Employee training

Supply Chain Risks

“New attack surfaces everywhere”

Software Supply Chain

  • Compromised updates
  • Malicious dependencies
  • Build system compromise
  • Distribution channel attacks

Cloud Security Challenges

  • Configuration errors
  • Permission misconfigurations
  • Shared responsibility confusion
  • Access control failures

IoT Device Vulnerabilities

  • Default credentials
  • No update mechanisms
  • Poor security design
  • Network exposure

Part 4: Incident Response

Recognition & Response

“Quick identification minimizes damage”

Preparation Phase

  • Response procedures
  • Team roles and responsibilities
  • Communication plans
  • Tool and resource preparation

Detection and Analysis

  • Monitoring systems
  • Alert triage
  • Incident classification
  • Impact assessment

Containment and Recovery

  • Threat containment
  • System isolation
  • Evidence preservation
  • Recovery procedures

Law Enforcement

“Proper reporting aids investigation”

When to Report

  • Criminal activity suspected
  • Significant financial impact
  • Personal data compromise
  • Critical infrastructure impact

Who to Contact

  • Local FBI field offices
  • Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Forces
  • Local law enforcement
  • Regulatory authorities

Evidence Preservation

  • Avoid system changes
  • Chain of custody
  • Forensic imaging
  • Documentation procedures

Part 5: Security Culture

Employee Training

“Humans remain the weakest link”

Training Components

  • Security awareness training
  • Attack technique recognition
  • Response procedures
  • Policy compliance

Simulated Exercises

  • Phishing simulations
  • Social engineering tests
  • Incident response drills
  • Tabletop exercises

Cultural Development

  • Leadership commitment
  • Positive reinforcement
  • No-blame reporting
  • Recognition programs

Continuous Improvement

“Cybersecurity is an ongoing process”

Regular Assessments

  • Vulnerability testing
  • Penetration testing
  • Risk assessments
  • Compliance audits

Threat Intelligence

  • Industry reports
  • Government advisories
  • Vendor notifications
  • Peer sharing

Technology Investments

  • Risk-appropriate tools
  • Capability enhancements
  • Integration improvements
  • Automation opportunities

Measuring Success

Security Metrics

  • Vulnerability counts
  • Patch compliance rates
  • Mean time to detect (MTTD)
  • Mean time to respond (MTTR)

Operational Metrics

  • User satisfaction scores
  • Training completion rates
  • Help desk ticket volume
  • Security investment ROI

Key Performance Indicators

  • Risk exposure reduction
  • Incident frequency decrease
  • Compliance improvement
  • User experience enhancement

Resources & Contacts

Emergency Contacts

  • Local FBI Field Office
  • Secret Service Electronic Crimes Task Force
  • Local Law Enforcement
  • CISA Cybersecurity Resources

Additional Resources

  • PCI Security Standards Council
  • FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center
  • Industry best practice guides
  • Professional security organizations

Key Takeaways

  • Strong authentication is mandatory
  • Keep systems updated regularly
  • Verify before trusting any request
  • Backup data using 3-2-1 rule
  • Monitor continuously for threats
  • Train regularly on emerging threats

Remember

“Cybersecurity is an ongoing process, not a one-time setup. Regular reviews and updates of your security practices are essential to maintain protection against evolving threats.”

Questions & Discussion

Thank you for your attention!

Security Training Team
security@training.com

Stay vigilant, stay secure!