Tips to boost your online security
1. Use strong passwords
Choose a combination of upper- and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols that aren’t easy to figure out. Create a unique password for each website instead of using the same one across multiple sites.
2. Don’t overshare on social media
Check your accounts’ privacy settings to make sure you know who is seeing your posts. Be careful when sharing any information with personal details like health, medical or financial information, your location, hometown and birthday.
3. Use free Wi-Fi cautiously
Need to make an online purchase? Save it in your cart until you’re at home or on a secure, password-protected network. Most free Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, meaning others easily could access your activity.
4. Avoid clicking on links or opening attachments
Cybercriminals can trick people into clicking on links or attachments in emails that appear to be from a trusted source, such as their bank, utility, phone company or nonprofit organization. Look for suspicious addresses, spelling errors or surprising communications before replying, and check with the organization in question to verify any changes.
5. Use two-factor authentication
Instead of relying on one level of passwords to access accounts, more digital services are using two-factor authentication, which requires a second layer of authentication to get into your information. Turn on this authentication and have a notification sent to a trusted phone number or email any time your accounts are accessed to ensure you’re the one logging in.