The USPS® Corporate Information Security Office reminds you that hackers are out there just waiting to steal data from mobile phones and devices.
Here are some tips for employees and contractors to follow to protect their mobile devices and USPS-issued laptops:
n Don’t connect without using VPN.
n Plug only USPS-approved devices into postal equipment. For a list of these devices, visit blue.usps.gov/cyber/utilize-encryption.htm.
n Back up your data on both your mobile device and your laptop (see blue.usps.gov/cyber/assets/pdf/2023-07-Protect-Your-Data-One-Pager.pdf).
n Watch for text messages from unknown numbers and avoid clicking on text messages with links from numbers that are not in your contacts list.
n Do not share login or password information. Create a strong passphrase with a minimum of 15 characters (see blue.usps.gov/cyber/assets/pdf/2023-05-Passphrases-One-Pager.pdf).
n Lock your device using a PIN, password, fingerprint, or face ID. Keep your phone locked when it is not in use.
n Don’t allow unauthorized users to access your mobile device and don’t leave your phone unprotected in public.
n Update your device when updates appear because they protect your device from threats and improve your user experience.
n Avoid storing sensitive information like passwords, account information, or other personal information on your device to lessen the likelihood of someone else retrieving it.
For the top 15 mobile device security best practices for businesses in 2023, visit the blog at cybersecurity.asee.co/blog/mobile-device-security-best-practices-for-businesses.
For more information about keeping data secure, visit blue.usps.gov/cyber or liteblue.usps.gov/cyber, as well as the Monthly Awareness Campaigns page at blue.usps.gov/cyber/communications.htm.
— Corporate Information Security Office
Chief Information Security Officer, 8-10-23
