Cyber Security Starts With You

As technology continues to evolve, so do the threats to our digital security. October is Cyber Security Awareness Month, a timely opportunity to share how Kinsted helps safeguard client information and offer practical tips you can use to protect yourself.

Cyber threats like phishing and ransomware remain common, but attackers are increasingly using artificial intelligence (AI) to create highly targeted and adaptive attacks [1]. At the same time, many breaches still begin with simple tactics, such as tricking someone into clicking a link, opening an attachment, or entering credentials into a fake website [2].

Some tools used at Kinsted to protect against cyber-attacks include tracking and limiting system and email access by geographic region, using a VPN, firewall, anti-virus software, threat detection software, phishing email software, device encryption, and performing routine vulnerability scans as well as system backups.

These measures are designed to reduce risk and help protect sensitive data. However, technology alone isn’t enough, awareness and smart habits are essential.

Be Suspicious

Email is not an inherently secure form of communication. Just like a return address on a letter can be faked, an email can be disguised to look like it’s from someone you trust.

Be cautious if you receive an unexpected request, whether it’s asking you to click a link, open an attachment, or provide information. Always verify before acting.

Tips to stay safe:

Check the sender: Hover over the sender’s name to view the actual email address. Watch for misspellings or extra characters (e.g., smith@email.com vs. smiith@email.com).

Inspect links: Hover over links before clicking to confirm they lead where you expect.

Verify requests: If you receive an unexpected attachment or instruction, call the person directly using a trusted phone number (not the one in the email). If you don’t recognize their voice, confirm through official company contact details.

Avoid sending sensitive information by email: If your account is compromised, attackers could access everything you’ve ever sent.

Password Manager

Use a password manager to store your passwords. Password managers allow you to have complex, unique passwords for all your accounts and sites. Essentially, this replaces a notebook with passwords and adds encryption and a password to access it. It is difficult to remember the many different passwords you likely have, and most people end up reusing them or using the same password with minor adjustments.

Two-Factor Authentication

Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA) on every site when possible.  2FA adds a second verification step to log into a site. A code will either be texted or emailed to you or available on a site to gain access. This means that someone needs your password and access to your phone or email account to get into the site.

Regular System Updates

Install operating system updates regularly. Software companies will release fixes for security issues as they become aware of them, but it's up to you to install them. By the time a fix is available, someone is already aware of and exploiting the original issue.

Mobile Device Security

Our phones are a doorway into our digital lives and contain, or are connected to, a lot of private information. Securing your phone can be achieved through:

·  Turning on encryption,

·  Setting a short screen lock timer,

·  Using a password or biometrics to access your phone instead of a short pin, and

·  Setting up a service to locate or erase your phone if you lose it.

At Kinsted, we recognize that even the best systems can be vulnerable if users aren’t informed. That’s why we continue to educate our staff and clients, because cybersecurity is a shared responsibility.

If you have questions or would like to learn more about how we protect your information, please reach out.

Regards,

Kinsted

References:

[1] World Economic Forum. (2025, September 30). Cybersecurity awareness: AI threats and cybercrime in 2025. World Economic Forum.
https://www.weforum.org/stories/2025/09/cybersecurity-awareness-month-cybercrime-ai-threats-2025/

[2] Science News Today. (2025, March 15). Why cybersecurity will be more important than ever in 2025. Science News Today.
https://www.sciencenewstoday.org/why-cybersecurity-will-be-more-important-than-ever-in-2025