The CrowdStrike/Microsoft IT outage has been described as the biggest IT outage in history. The disruption has left people concerned about the security of their data and systems. Here are three ways how to protect yourself from malicious attacks in the wake of future outages.
1. Keep an eye out for any scams
Cyber criminals often take advantage of major incidents like this to launch phishing attacks and other scams. Be wary of unsolicited emails, texts, or calls claiming to be from legitimate organisations and offering help or requesting sensitive information.
2. Think about changing your passwords.
The outage may have compromised login credentials for some users. It’s a good idea to change passwords, especially for important accounts like banking, email, and social media. Use strong, unique passwords for each account and think about keeping a physical copy of passwords instead of saving them on your computer or phone.
3. Reconsider your priorities for future outages.
This incident has highlighted the importance of having a robust plan and being prepared for unexpected IT disruptions. Ensure you have alternative ways to access critical data and systems in the event of an outage.
