News
What Can You Do About Protecting Yourself Online?
October is Cybersecurity Month and it’s a great time to take stock of how you are protecting yourself online. Whether you’re online a lot or a little, cyber crime doesn’t discriminate. Taking steps to keep your information private is paramount in keeping yourself safe.
Passwords are one of the first places you can ensure safety. Generate complex passwords that include uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as numbers and special characters (e.g., @!$%). Keep your passwords stored somewhere safe and away from prying eyes. There are a few password management apps you can use to keep passwords safe, too. While on the topic of passwords, never reuse passwords across multiple websites or apps. Also, never use easy-to-guess passwords, like 12345 or your name, birthday, pet’s name or child’s name. If a site offers Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), use it.
Know how to spot and avoid Phishing. Phishing is when you get an unsolicited call or email where you’re being asked to click on a link, open an attachment or provide personal information or money. If you’re unsure about a link, hover over it and see where it leads without clicking on it. Never open an attachment from someone you don’t know. Even if it looks like it’s from a site or business you use, it’s best to log into that business separately to see what they need or if it’s legitimate. Most email programs have an option to report emails as junk, which is a great tool to use in order thin out your inbox.
Protect your network connection when you’re out in public, ensuring to not do any sensitive online tasks on a shared network. If you’re in public, make sure to lock your phone and laptop when you’re away from them.
Limit the information that you share on social media sites. Use the site’s most restrictive privacy settings that meet your needs (e.g., friends-only rather than in public). The information you share online can be easily seen by fraudsters.
Some additional tips are to create and save bookmarks for the websites you use most so you don’t inadvertently put your credentials into a fraudulent site. Monitor your financial accounts regularly to ensure there’s nothing suspicious. Secure your home Wi-Fi by having it password protected. Use paperless billing and correspondence so there’s less of a change in sensitive mail getting stolen.
Thieves are smarter than we give them credit for and they will constantly look for new, easy ways to steal your information. Being aware of where you’re vulnerable and taking steps to protect your information is key to not losing your treasure.