Many security breaches are caused by a weak human firewall. A human firewall is the layer of protection that you create by following security protocols. If you build a strong human firewall, you can help protect cardholder information and your organization from cybercriminals.

To build a strong human firewall, follow the tips below:

Create Strong Passwords

• Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Don’t use simple words, family names, or numbers that cybercriminals can easily guess. For example, don’t include zip codes or birthdays in your passwords.
• Make your passwords at least 16 characters long, if possible.
• Use passphrases. These passphrases should be unique and difficult to guess. For example, you could use a passphrase such as 100OrangeFishFlewInTheGreenSky.
• Don't share your passwords with anyone.

Carefully Analyze All Emails You Receive

• Don’t click any links or open any attachments in emails you weren’t expecting. To verify that the email is legitimate, contact the sender via another form of communication.
• If you believe an email could be dangerous and you don’t recognize the sender, report the email. To report the email, use the Phish Alert Button (PAB) in your mail client, or follow your organization’s cybersecurity policies.
• Before you click a link in the email, hover over the link. When you hover over the link, you’ll be able to see the web address that the link will take you to.
• Check the sender’s email address. Even if the email address appears to be an internal or another legitimate domain, the email could still be dangerous. Cybercriminals can spoof domains to trick you into replying, clicking links, or opening attachments in the email.

If You See Suspicious Computer Behavior, Contact Your IT Team

• If you report suspicious computer behavior immediately, you can help keep your organization safe from cybercriminals.

If you don’t protect sensitive payment information, your organization could face fines, increased operating costs, loss of customer confidence, and even governmental regulations. Make sure to help protect sensitive information at all times.

This message is a reminder to protect sensitive information. Remember, you should always follow your organization's privacy, security, and compliance policies for handling sensitive information first.