Stay Cyber Secure

At Albacore, we believe that good security starts with good habits. Whether you’re working from home, on the move, or in the office, staying cyber-aware helps protect both your personal data and business systems.

Key practices to follow:

• Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) – Adds an extra layer of protection beyond passwords.
• Secure Browsing – Stick to trusted websites and look for HTTPS in the address bar.
• Spotting Suspicious Activity – Be cautious of unexpected emails, login prompts, or anything that doesn’t feel right.

For further guidance, check internal policies or speak to your team lead or IT contact.

Check If You Have been Breached

Check if your accounts have ever been included in a data breach.

Data Breach Check

• Have I Been Pwned – Check if your email address has been included in a data breach.
  https://haveibeenpwned.com/

If the compromised data includes passwords, your action should be to ensure that you don’t re-use a combination of this email address and the password used at the time of the breach.

Password Creation & Management

Strong passwords are your first line of defence. Here are some free tools to help you get started:

Password Generator

• Bitwarden – Open-source and secure, with customisable options for stronger passwords.
  https://bitwarden.com/password-generator

Password Strength checker

• Bitwarden – You can also check the strength of a password on the Bitwarden site.
  https://bitwarden.com/password-strength

Add a character to the end of the password and see how the “estimated time to crack” increases!

Make sure no-one is looking over your shoulder if you type your password in here.

Password Storage & Recall

Avoid sticky notes and reused passwords. These tools help you store and manage credentials securely:

1Password

• Simple to use, ideal for individuals and small teams.
  https://1password.com

Dashlane

• Includes autofill and password health checks.
  https://www.dashlane.com

VPNs for Secure Remote Access

When working remotely or using public Wi-Fi, a VPN can help keep your connection private and secure. It’s especially useful when accessing sensitive systems or company resources.

Hotspot Shield

• Free VPN with fast, encrypted browsing.
  https://www.hotspotshield.com

NordLayer

• Business-grade VPN with strong privacy and flexible plans.
  https://nordlayer.com/

If you’re unsure whether you need a VPN, speak to your team lead or IT contact for advice.

Phishing Awareness

Phishing emails are designed to trick you into clicking unsafe links or sharing sensitive information. Stay sharp with these tools:

Google Phishing Quiz

• A quick and interactive way to test your phishing detection skills.
  https://phishingquiz.withgoogle.com

Albacore Simulation Testing

Albacore offers automated phishing simulation testing to help users stay sharp and confident when handling suspicious emails. These simulations are designed to support learning and reduce risk across the business.

What’s included:

• Realistic email scenarios that reflect common phishing tactics
• Targeted learning modules assigned to users who interact with simulated threats
• Clear feedback and reporting to help users understand and improve

If you’d like to find out more or get involved, please get in touch:
https://www.albacore.co.uk/contact/

Training Resources

Whether you’re new to digital tools or just want a refresher, these free resources are a great place to start:

Top Tips for Staff

Covers the essentials:

• Defending against phishing
• Creating strong passwords
• Securing your devices
• Reporting incidents
  https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/training/v4/Top+tips/Web+package/content/index.html#/

Cyber Security for Small Organisations

Five key topics:

• Backing up your organisation’s data
• Protecting against malware
• Creating strong passwords
• Keeping your devices secure
• Defending against phishing
  https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/training/v4/Small+organisations/Web+package/content/index.html#/

If you can’t see the video please click on this link, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Owdqg2r-rP4