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Take 6 seconds to protect yourself and your workplace

By Diane Amato

Published October 18, 2022 • 2 Min Read

Your inner voice is powerful. It reflects your instincts, can raise alarms and help guide the decisions you make. It’s worth listening to – even for 6 seconds.

The RBC 6 second rule involves pausing for 6 seconds and listening to your inner voice when something looks or feels off. Whether you own a business or work at one, using the 6 second rule can help protect you in the digital world and keep hackers out of your workplace.

Watch these brief videos that show you the impact of using the 6 second rule to ask yourself a simple question before acting.

Take 6 seconds and ask yourself…

1. Have I backed up my files lately?

Asking yourself this question can help protect you from ransomware attacks, which demand payment from you to unlock your files. By keeping a backup, hackers can’t use your files as leverage against you.

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2. Could there be something confidential in this picture?

Before you share images of a work computer, take 6 seconds to think about whether there could be private info in the image.

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3. Am I sending to the right person?

When sending emails, double check where it’s going to keep your info out of the wrong hands.

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4. Is this the kind of thing they usually post about?

When someone you follow shares an urgent investment opportunity, ask yourself if this is a typical post from them. If it’s not, their account might be compromised.

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Taking 6 seconds to ask yourself any of the questions above can help protect yourself, your colleagues and your workplace.

This article is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. Information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.

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Cyber Tips Technology