Information Security Tips

With the use of any information system there must a heightened awareness of security. Use of the Government of Barbados network and by extension the SmartStream program is no exception to this rule. We have included below a number of tips that users should consider when using these systems.

Protecting Your Password

Your password is fundamentally the key to accessing the system. It should therefore be treated with the utmost confidentiality. Choosing an appropriate password can provide an added measure of security also.

1. Never share your password with anyone.

2. Never write your password down anywhere that is easily accessible by anyone else.

3. Never use a password that is easy to guess such as the name of a family member, a maiden name or middle name.

4. The most secure passwords are those over eight characters long with a combination of letters, numbers and special characters.

Protecting Against Malicious Threats

While computerized systems have facilitated ease of access and convenience in business they have also allowed for more technologically advanced forms of fraudulent activity to be utilized. Criminal entities are constantly creating new ways to negatively affect individuals and businesses and extract personal information that can be used for monetary gain. One form of deception which is popular at present is phishing spam. Microsoft.com defines phishing e-mails in the following way: “Phishing mail messages are designed to steal your identity. They ask for personal data, or direct you to websites or phone numbers to call where they ask you to provide personal data. “

1. Do not open mail from senders whose identity you cannot confirm.

2. Do not click on links that appear to be suspicious.

3. Do not send personal information such as your identification number or account information via e-mails.

Learn more about phishing scams and other e-mail and web scams

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