What Are the Basic Cybersecurity Features I Should Have in Place?

Welcome to the latest installment of our monthly Q&A column, where a panel of experts answers your questions about using technology in your law practice.

This month we answer readers' questions about the basic cybersecurity features you should have in place and whether USB flash drives are good for backups.

Q: October is cybersecurity month. What are the basics that I should have in place?

A: Windows updates, antivirus software, password manager, multi-factor authentication for online accounts, onsite and cloud backups, and safe web browsing and email practices.

1. Enable and apply automatic updates for Windows, software, and smartphone apps.
2. Use Microsoft Defender Antivirus (it’s a built-in feature in Windows) or a more advanced antivirus service.
3. A password manager makes your life easier, logging you into websites quickly and keeping your strong passwords safe. LastPass and Bitwarden are among the good choices (and both are free).
4. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) protects sensitive accounts (e.g., email, banking) from hacker attacks. Use a free authenticator app on your phone or a Yubikey (a hardware authentication device by Yubico).
5. Onsite backups allow you to recover fast from most computer disasters. Cloud backups protect against major disasters and local backup failures.
6. When browsing the web, don’t click on links in ads or obscure websites—they can infect your device. Use a VPN service when on a public hot spot.
7. Don’t click links in alarming or alluring emails from know companies and individuals. Only open attachments you are expecting. If in any doubt, check with the sender.

Techie: Wells H. Anderson, JD, GPSolo eReport Contributing Technology Editor and CEO of SecureMyFirm, 952/922-1120, www.securemyfirm.com—we protect small firms from cyber threats with affordable, multiple layers of defense.

Q: Are USB flash drives good for backups? If so, what are some good ones?

A: Yes, they can be part of your multiple backups strategy. My current favorites are PNY Turbo Attaché, Samsung FIT Plus, and Samsung T7 (this last is not a “thumb drive” but a larger, higher-capacity, USB-connected solid-state drive, or SDD).

Bear in mind that no backup medium is perfect. Information on USB flash drives can last for up to ten years under normal conditions, but there is no guarantee. So make sure to have multiple backups in multiple places, encrypted if the information is sensitive.

Techie: Wells H. Anderson, JD, GPSolo eReport Contributing Technology Editor and CEO of SecureMyFirm, 952/922-1120, www.securemyfirm.com—we protect small firms from cyber threats with affordable, multiple layers of defense.

What’s YOUR question?

If you have a technology question, please forward it to Managing Editor Rob Salkin ([email protected]) at your earliest convenience. Our response team selects the questions for response and publication. Our regular response team includes Jeffrey Allen, Wells H. Anderson, Jordan L. Couch, Ashley Hallene, Al Harrison, and Patrick Palace. We publish submitted questions anonymously, just in case you do not want someone else to know you asked the question.

Please send in your questions today!