Improving Cyber Security: Five Ways to Stay Safe Online
In the digital age we live in, the world (wide web) is our oyster. It allows us to stay in touch with family and friends from all distances with email or social media. Reading the news and staying up to date on current events can be done in real time. We can even shop, file our taxes, and manage our banking online. But while these services are designed to make our lives easier, there are also some security risks to keep in mind. Here are some ways you can improve your cyber security and stay safe online.
1. Protect your passwords
With so many different online accounts, it can be tempting to repeat the same password. However, you should always use unique passwords for each account to keep your information secure. If one of your accounts is ever hacked, you run the risk of having all your accounts compromised – not good! Passwords should be long and have a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols. Updating your passwords every three months is also a good idea. If you need help remembering them, write them down in a notebook and keep it in a hidden spot where only you can access it.
2. Make your accounts secure
Another feature you may have used before, whether for online banking or even your Facebook profile, is two-factor verification. This is an added security measure where after logging into your account with your password, a one-time code is sent to either your email inbox, or via text to your mobile phone. Without this code, you are not able to proceed. This ensures that it is really you logging into your account, not someone posing as you to access your information. Whenever it is an option, use 2F verification to keep your accounts extra secure.
3. Don’t know what it is? Don’t open it!
Have you ever received a suspicious email, or a text from a strange number asking you to “click this link”? Or maybe you have gotten a message out of the blue from a friend on Facebook – only their name appears to be misspelt, and they have no posts on their account. Scammers are sneaky at finding ways to entice a response. When an unexpected message comes your way asking for personal information, for you to act now by clicking a link, or “please respond,” there is a strong likelihood it is not coming from a legitimate source. Your best bet is to block them or mark as an ‘unsafe sender,’ then delete the message, rather than engage.
4. Ignore phone calls from unknown numbers
Spam calls and “robocalls” are becoming more frequent and harder to prevent. The best course of action is to simply ignore any phone calls that you are not expecting, especially from unknown numbers. Caller ID can be useful, however in some cases, scammers are able to put a fake company name to mislead you into answering. If you answer and are asked to provide personal information, hang up immediately. Although many reputable institutions, such as your bank, will ask security questions over the phone, they will never ask for your full credit card number or password. Use your best judgement, and always hang up if you sense something is off.
5. Keep your personal information, personal
Nowadays, posting our life updates online has become the norm. While it can be fun to share family announcements, vacation photos, and other milestones with our loved ones on social media, sometimes we reveal more than we should. Refrain from posting your address or phone number on your social media profiles, or any other personal information that could make you a target online. Another important cyber security tip is to keep your profile settings as private as possible, so only your friends can view it.
If you ever need extra guidance or are unsure how secure your settings are, don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Ask a tech-savvy friend or family member to assist you, call a tech support line, or sign up for one-on-one help session from a librarian at your local library. They can show you how to navigate the digital realm more safely, so you can continue surfing the web worry-free.