The benefits of our online world are undeniable, but there are risks. Here are seven 'rules of the road' for online safety.

1. Seven Simple Steps to
Online Security

2. Conn Ó Muíneacháin
• Media & Communications
• Software Engineer
• Radio Producer & Podcaster
• @conn
• blacknight.blog
• blacknight.blog/podcast
• Digital Media Awards Grand Prix 2007
• PPI Radio Bronze Award 2013
• Irish Blog Awards 2006, 2007
Labhair
Gaeilge
Liom

3. Life is Good in
The Cloud
• Convenience
• Flexibility
• Mobility
• Collaboration

4. The More Complex
the Technology
The greater the
opportunity for
things to go wrong

5. To Err is Human ...
... but to really
screw things up
you need a
computer

6. It’s Common Sense
We need a
“Rules of the Road”
for online safety

7. Seven Simple Rules
1. Software
2. Devices
3. Passwords
4. Multi-Factor Authentication
5. Secure Communication
6. Don't Get Phished
7. Don't Share

8. 1. Software
• Software Updates
• Beware of ‘free’ software
• Anti-Virus
• Website software updates

9. 2. Devices
• Lock your screen
• Encrypt removable storage devices (BitLocker)
• Always scan for viruses when you attach a device
• Observe office policies regarding external devices
• ISO 27001 Information Security Management

10. 3. Passwords
• Never use the same password on multiple sites
• The longer the password the better
• Vary upper and lower case letters, numbers and
punctuation characters
• The more complex a password, the more difficult it is to
remember
• Don’t write it down!

12. 3. Passwords
• Four-random-word password:
• the words should be truly random
• Choose unique, complex passwords and keep them in a
password safe (e.g. LastPass)
• Choose a strong, but memorable, password for the
password safe. Memorise it.

13. 4. Multi-Factor
• Multi-Factor Authentication
• E.g. ATM card with PIN number
• Two factors:
• something you have (the card)
• something you know (the PIN)

14. 4. Multi-Factor
• Blacknight’s User Control Panel
• Office 365
• Common methods include sending a code via SMS to
user’s mobile phone, or using an app such as Authy or
Google Authenticator on your phone to generate a one-
time code for the subscription you require.
• PSD2 EU Payment Services Directive

15. 5. Secure
Communication
• Digital Security Certificates (SSL Certs)
• https://blacknight.com
• The ‘s’ stands for ‘secure’

16. 6. Don’t Get
Phished
• Fake emails – pretending to be
from someone you trust
• Don’t click on the link
• Also ‘voice phishing’ – vishing
• ‘Smishing’ – via SMS text
message

17. 6. Don’t Get
Phished
• Bad grammar
• Look carefully at the link
https:// yourbank.ie.fakesite.com / dont-click-this

18. 7. Don’t Share
• Don’t tell everyone on Facebook you’re going on holiday
• Your Birthday is Personally Identifiable Information
• ‘Friends Only’ is not safe. How well do you know them all?
• Are they all who they say they are?

19. 7. Don’t Share

20. Seven Simple Rules
1. Software
2. Devices
3. Passwords
4. Multi-Factor Authentication
5. Secure Communication
6. Don't Get Phished
7. Don't Share

21. Three Basic
Principles
• Privacy
• Encryption
• Software

22. IT’S A GOOD THING!
GDPR

23. More information
A detailed post covering all the points raised in this
presentation is available on blacknight.blog at
bk.ie/7

24. #DOMAINS #HOSTING #EMAIL