Check out these 5 tips to start practicing today so you can stay protected!
Scammers continue to get more creative in the digital world making it a tough place to keep your information secure. It’s important that you stay ahead so you don’t fall victim to online traps.
1. Keep your computer, mobile apps and security software up to date.
By having the current version of your security software, web browser and operating system and mobile apps, you have a much lower risk of viruses and other online threats. Cyber criminals are always trying to get one step ahead of antivirus software, so keeping your antivirus up to date helps keep the hackers behind. Antivirus developers also work in conjunction with the latest updates from operating systems to stay safe.
2. Keep your passwords long and creative.
By combining upper and lower case letter along with number and special characters, you will have a more secure password. Using a phrase will make it even hard to hack and might be easier for you to remember. The longer the password the better. Don’t use your birthday or other generic facts about yourself because it will be easier for cyber criminals to crack. Learn more about creating strong passwords here.
3. Keep it safe by writing it down
Instead of saving passwords on your computer, write it down and store it in a secure location. Storing it on your phone or computer opens it up for hacking. Also, if you forget the password to your computer, it doesn’t do much good if it’s saved on your locked computer!
4. Keep up to date with new ways to stay safe online
Check secure websites to find the latest information on how to stay safe and secure. Continue to check your security manufacturer’s website to see the latest security patches to make regular updates. Read articles and blogs, follow the news to learn more about the different kinds of scams so you can avoid getting effected.
5. Keep it all safe
Protect all devices that connect to the Internet from viruses and hacking by making sure your WiFi router at home has a complex, personal network security key. When you aren't using them, keep your devices at home disconnected from WiFi. When going on vacation or leaving for the weekend power off your WiFi router. A few examples of devices include smartphones, gaming systems and televisions. Today’s mobile devices are just as powerful as your PC, so you need to take the same precautions on your mobile device as you do your computer. For parents, adding parental controls will help your kids stay safe. You can add them to your computer as well as mobile devices that are internet-ready.
Remember these five ways to keep you and your devices protected. Tell us your tips and how you stay safe online.