June marks National Internet Safety Month, and as a virtual Chief Information Officer (vCIO) at i-Tech Support, I can’t think of a better time to shine a spotlight on something that affects every one of us—cybersecurity and online safety.
We live in an era where our digital footprint is vast. From smartphones and smart homes to remote work and online banking, our lives are increasingly connected. But that convenience comes with real risks: cyberattacks, data breaches, and social engineering threats are more prevalent than ever.
This month, I want to offer actionable, simple, and impactful tips that anyone—whether a business leader, employee, or everyday user—can use to stay safer online.
Why Internet Safety Still Matters—More Than Ever
It’s easy to assume that cybersecurity is a concern for big businesses or government agencies. The truth is: everyone is a target. Small businesses, remote workers, students, and retirees are all being hit by phishing attacks, ransomware, and identity theft.
At i-Tech Support, we see daily how even a single click on a malicious link can compromise entire networks. That’s why education, awareness, and proactive defense are our top priorities when working with clients.
Stephen’s Top Internet Safety Tips for 2025
Here are some key best practices I recommend as a vCIO working hands-on with organizations to improve their cybersecurity posture:
1. Think Before You Click
Phishing emails are more sophisticated than ever. Scammers impersonate your bank, coworkers, or even IT teams.
🔒 What to do:
- Hover over links before clicking.
- Double-check the sender’s email address.
- If something feels “off,” it probably is—verify through a second channel (e.g., call the person or organization).
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Passwords alone aren’t enough. MFA adds a layer of protection by requiring a second step, like a code sent to your phone.
🔐 Pro-Tip: Enable MFA on all critical accounts—email, banking, cloud services, and especially business platforms like Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace.
3. Keep Your Software Updated
Hackers love outdated software—it’s often full of known vulnerabilities.
✅ Best Practice:
- Turn on automatic updates where possible.
- Regularly patch operating systems, apps, and browsers.
At i-Tech, we automate these updates for our clients, so nothing slips through the cracks.
4. Use a Password Manager
Using the same password across multiple accounts? That’s like having one key for your house, car, and office. If it’s stolen, everything’s at risk.
🔑 Recommended:
- Use a trusted password manager to generate and store unique, complex passwords.
- Avoid storing passwords in browsers or sticky notes.
5. Secure Your Home Network
With remote and hybrid work still going strong, many threats start from home.
🛡️ Quick Wins:
- Change default router passwords.
- Use strong Wi-Fi encryption (WPA3, if available).
- Set up a separate guest network for visitors and smart devices.
6. Backup, Backup, Backup
Data loss isn’t just about ransomware. Accidental deletions or hardware failures can happen too.
💾 What We Advise at i-Tech:
- Set up automated cloud backups.
- Regularly test your restore process—it’s not enough to just have a backup.
Bonus Tips for Businesses
If you’re a business owner or IT leader, here’s what I recommend as a vCIO:
- Train your staff quarterly on cybersecurity awareness.
- Review your incident response plan—or create one if you don’t have it.
- Audit your permissions: Limit access to only what people need to do their jobs.
Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility—from the C-suite to interns. At i-Tech Support, our mission is to build resilience through partnership, planning, and proactive security.
A Culture of Cybersecurity
Technology can only go so far. Real safety comes from a culture of vigilance and responsibility. Whether you’re using a work laptop, helping a family member set up a new device, or browsing from your phone—stay alert.
This June, use Internet Safety Month as a chance to start conversations, review your practices, and take action. A safer internet starts with informed users—and that starts with you.
Need help assessing your current security posture or training your team? Reach out—we’re here to help.
Stay safe,
Stephen
