Stay secure online with essential information security tips

Your online safety matters, especially when managing your finances. At Genome, we take information security seriously and encourage you to do the same. Here’s how you can protect your accounts, devices, and data in everyday life.

Passwords: make them strong, keep them safe

1. Never share your password, even with people you trust. Keeping your account private is the best way to protect it.
2. Use complex but memorable passwords. A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols makes it harder to guess.
3. When creating a password, follow these recommendations:
   • At least 12 characters
   • Uppercase and lowercase letters (A–Z, a–z)
   • At least one number (0–9)
   • At least one special character (!@#$%^&*, etc.)
4. Change your passwords regularly, especially if you notice any unusual activity.
5. Don’t reuse the same password across different platforms. If one account is compromised, others become vulnerable too.
6. Type your password manually from time to time instead of relying on auto-fill — it helps you remember it more effectively.
7. Use a password manager to generate, store, and organize your passwords securely. It’s safer than writing them down.
8. If you store passwords in your browser, enable a master password, especially if you access email using a browser-based service.

Protect your devices

1. Set up password or biometric protection (like fingerprint or face recognition) on all phones, laptops, and tablets.
2. Always lock your screen when stepping away, even for a moment.
3. Only install software from trusted, verified sources:
   • Download apps from official websites or certified app stores, such as Google Play or the App Store.
   • Avoid pirated, cracked, or unknown software — it may contain malware.
4. Make sure antivirus and endpoint protection are installed and active:
   • Use a reliable, regularly updated antivirus solution.
   • Enable real-time protection and automatic scanning.
   • Run full system scans periodically.
5. Keep your operating system and applications up to date. Updates often fix security issues.

Handle confidential information carefully.

1. Don’t store passwords in plain text, like in notepad files, emails, or written notes.
2. Never leave confidential documents or removable drives (like USB sticks) unattended, whether at home, at work, or in public.
3. Before sending sensitive files, verify the recipient and use encryption (e.g., a protected archive or secure sharing service).
4. Share passwords or access keys through a separate channel from the file itself, for example, send the file via email, but the password via a messaging app.
5. Always enable encryption on:
   • Mobile devices
   • USB drives
   • Work computers and laptops

Stay alert to suspicious emails and messages

1. Don’t open emails from unknown senders.
2. Be cautious with links. If something appears suspicious or unexpected, don’t click.
3. If unsure about a message:
   • Contact the sender through a different channel to confirm it’s legitimate.
   • Don’t open attachments unless you’re sure they’re safe and expected.
4. Don’t call back unknown phone numbers — these can lead to fraudulent or premium-rate services.
5. Always enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on your accounts where available. It provides an extra layer of protection even if your password is compromised.

Be mindful of what you share online

1. Don’t post photos showing your workplace, screen, documents, or internal systems, even by accident.
2. Avoid sharing geolocation data, such as coordinates or maps.
3. Think before posting anything that could affect your professional reputation.
4. Don’t talk about internal processes, security topics, or operational details on public forums or social media, even in general terms.

How to spot and avoid phishing attempts

1. Always check the sender’s full email address — attackers often mimic legitimate contacts.
2. Don’t open attachments in suspicious messages, even if the sender seems familiar.
3. Be cautious of messages marked URGENT, IMPORTANT, or IMMEDIATE ACTION REQUIRED — they’re often designed to pressure you.
4. Never enter usernames or passwords on unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
5. If a website looks odd, with typos, a strange layout, or a suspicious domain name, don’t enter any personal information.
6. Be wary of emails asking to "verify your account", "confirm your data", or "claim a bonus". These are common phishing tactics.

Smart habits for staying secure

1. Don’t use public Wi-Fi unless you're connected through a VPN — otherwise, your data could be intercepted.
2. Turn off automatic file downloads in messengers and email services.
3. Regularly review which devices have access to your accounts, and remove any you don’t recognize or no longer use.
4. Check your privacy settings in the services and platforms you use often.
5. Back up important data regularly, either to an external hard drive or secure cloud storage.