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Cybersecurity Best Practices
Overview
Cyberspace is particularly difficult to secure due to a number of factors: the ability of malicious actors to operate from anywhere in the world, the linkages between cyberspace and physical systems, and the difficulty of reducing vulnerabilities and consequences in complex cyber networks. Implementing safe cybersecurity best practices is important for individuals as well as organizations of all sizes. Using strong passwords, updating your software, thinking before you click on suspicious links, and turning on multi-factor authentication are the basics of what we call “cyber hygiene” and will drastically improve your online safety. These cybersecurity basics apply to both individuals and organizations. For both government and private entities, developing and implementing tailored cybersecurity plans and processes is key to protecting and maintaining business operations. As information technology becomes increasingly integrated with all aspects of our society, there is increased risk for wide scale or high-consequence events that could cause harm or disrupt services upon which our economy and the daily lives of millions of Americans depend.
CISA’s Role
In light of the risk and potential consequences of cyber events, CISA strengthens the security and resilience of cyberspace, an important homeland security mission. CISA offers a range of cybersecurity services and resources focused on operational resilience, cybersecurity practices, organizational management of external dependencies, and other key elements of a robust and resilient cyber framework. CISA helps individuals and organizations communicate current cyber trends and attacks, manage cyber risks, strengthen defenses, and implement preventative measures. Every mitigated risk or prevented attack strengthens the cybersecurity of the nation.
Featured Content
Secure by Design
It's time to build cybersecurity into the design and manufacture of technology products. Find out here what it means to be secure by design.
Shields Up
Stay Shields Up! to prepare for, respond to, and mitigate the impact of cyber-attacks. CISA is here to support you and your cybersecurity needs with expert resources, tools, and services to protect you from cyber threats.
Cybersecurity Best Practices Services
Explore the cybersecurity services CISA offers that are available to Federal Government; State, Local, Tribal and Territorial Government; Industry; Educational Institutions; and General Public stakeholders.
Cybersecurity Training
Learn the cybersecurity best practices you need to help secure our cyber space.
Cyber Storm Cyber Exercise Series
Cyber Range Training Events
Cybersecurity Resources
Use CISA's resources to gain important cybersecurity best practices knowledge and skills.
If You See Something, Say Something
Everyone has the power to stop a threat and help secure the nation. Read about how, by just reporting suspicious activity or strange behavior, you play an essential role in keeping our communities safe and secure.
Free Cybersecurity Services & Tools
CISA offers a range of cybersecurity assessments that evaluate operational resilience, cybersecurity practices, organizational management of external dependencies, and other key elements of a robust and resilient cyber framework.
Healthcare and Public Health Cybersecurity
Together, CISA brings technical expertise as the nation’s cyber defense agency, HHS offers extensive expertise in healthcare and public health, and the HSCC Cybersecurity Working Group offers the practical expertise of industry experts.
Contact Us
Need CISA's help but don't know where to start?
Organizations can also report anomalous cyber activity and/or cyber incidents 24/7 to SayCISA@cisa.dhs.gov or by calling 1-844-Say-CISA (1-844-729-2472)