As we increasingly rely on our devices and the internet for everything from communicating with family and friends to shopping to banking, we need to be aware of the risks and vulnerabilities and know how to protect ourselves. The cyber attacks we usually hear about in the news are related to large companies, however, cybercriminals are using what they learn from attacking businesses to attack consumers. Here are some tips you can use to increase your cybersecurity at home.
Increase Your Cybersecurity
- Use secure passwords. Create different passwords for each of your online accounts. Passwords should have a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols, and be at least 14 characters. A password manager, such as LastPass or 1Password, lets you securely store and organize your passwords.
- Choose different security questions for accounts. Do not use the same security questions for all of your accounts. Choose questions where the answers cannot be easily guessed or found by searching online.
- Update your software. Be sure you are using the most up-to-date web browsers, operating systems, and apps on all of your devices, including your mobile phone.
- Secure your files. Back up important files in the cloud or on an external hard drive. Use two-step verification. When available on your online accounts, set up two-step verification for an extra layer of security.
- Install an anti-virus program. If you do not have an anti-virus program installed on your computer, do so to help prevent viruses and malware.
- Be careful with public Wi-Fi hotspots. These hotspots are not secure and can be easy for cybercriminals to see what you are doing on your devices when connected to a hotspot. Avoid logging into accounts with sensitive information.
- Know the warning signs of phishing emails. Remember you can’t win a contest you didn’t enter and your bank or credit card company will not contact you asking for sensitive information by email.
- Protect yourself from identity theft. Your personal information, including Social Security Number and financial accounts, are vulnerable. Follow these tips to prevent identity theft from happening.