Cyber Defense eMagazine December 2019

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Use multi-factor authentication. Whenever possible, use multi-form authentication (MFA) to secure
your devices and data. Use two of the three possible authentication methods: something you know,
something you have and something you are. Going one step further, adaptive MFA applications can
compare locational data, travel patterns, device context and network context. By combining these results
with a developed baseline, adaptive MFA can further secure your systems. Make use of MFA to make it
more difficult for attackers to compromise your data and systems.
In addition to these tips, be discrete about any upcoming holiday travel plans. Do not share your location
or go live on social media while you’re on vacation. Using the check-in feature makes you more vulnerable
to digital and physical consequences as this lets hackers know where you are and where you aren’t. Hold
off on sharing your vacation details online until after your trip is over.
Good cyber hygiene, the practice of proactive cyber safety habits, is the best way to protect your
information from online criminals. Adopting these cyber safety tips during and beyond the holiday season
will greatly reduce your probability of becoming a victim of cybercrime.
About the Author
Dr. Bob Duhainy, core faculty member with Walden University’s Doctor of
Information Technology program, has nearly 30 years of experience in
technology and computer security. He teaches a variety of courses in data
communications and computer security online. He is involved in various
security-related research projects, including advanced authentication
techniques interoperability, nefarious code detection and system
vulnerability assessments. Dr. Duhainy received training from the National
Security Agency (NSA), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), United
States Secret Service (USSS), Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), Director
of National Intelligence (DNI) and Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
on various topics. He is also an active member of IEEE, ACM, AFCEA,
Cisco Networking Academy, ISC 2 and the FBI-InfraGard.