Cybersecurity Tips to Keep Your Personal Information Safe

In today's digital world, protecting your personal information online is more important than ever. Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility, and everyone can take simple actions to safeguard their accounts and data. Here's a checklist of best practices you can follow to enhance your online security:

Utilizing Online Account Access

1. Keep Your Contact Information Updated - Regularly review and update your phone number, mailing address, and email to ensure your contact information is current.
2. Create a Strong Password - Choose a long, unique password, and make sure to change it periodically. Avoid using personal details such as your Social Security number or birth date as passwords.
3. Use a Password Manager - Consider using a trusted password manager to securely store your passwords. This helps you avoid the risks associated with reusing passwords across multiple sites.
4. Review Account Notifications - Once you register your account online, enable security alerts to stay informed of any suspicious activities.
5. Go Paperless - Sign up for electronic delivery of important documents to reduce the risk of mail fraud.

Understand Cybersecurity Threats

1. Monitor Your Credit - Regularly check your credit report for unauthorized accounts or activities. You can get a free report annually from USA.gov/credit-reports.
2. Be Wary of Urgent Money Requests - Scammers often pressure individuals to wire money or share personal information. Always verify with trusted contacts before taking action.
3. Stay Informed About Scams - Cybercriminals frequently use phishing, malware, and personal information scams to gain access to sensitive data. Keep up-to-date on common cyberscams and how to avoid them.

Update Your Technology Regularly

1. Install Updates - Regularly update your devices and software to patch security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by hackers.
2. Use Antivirus Software - Protect your devices by installing reliable antivirus and antispyware software, and keep them updated to fend off potential threats.
3. Be Cautious with USB Devices - Store sensitive data on secure servers or trusted cloud storage rather than using external USB devices.
4. Dispose of Old Hardware Securely - Before discarding any old hardware, make sure to wipe all personal data and follow secure disposal procedures.
5. Back-Up Your Data - Regularly back up your important files to prevent data loss from ransomware or hardware failure.

Verify Before You Click

1. Be Careful with QR Codes - Before scanning a QR code, verify the URL to ensure it's legitimate. Cybercriminals can use malicious codes to redirect you to harmful sites.
2. Hover Over Links - Always hover over a link before clicking to confirm it leads to the expected website. If you're unsure, type the URL directly into your browser.
3. Avoid Untrusted Websites - Be cautious when visiting unfamiliar websites, especially those with suspicious pop-ups. Never enter personal information on untrusted sites.
4. Check Email Addresses Carefully - Verify that email addresses match the sender's name and organization to avoid falling for phishing emails.

Connect with Caution

1. Secure Your Home Network - Set a strong password for your Wi-Fi network and change any factory default router settings to enhance security.
2. Lock Your Devices - Always lock your screen when leaving your device unattended to prevent unauthorized access.
3. Protect Your Social Media Accounts - Keep your social media accounts private, and avoid sharing sensitive information such as your home location or phone number.
4. Avoid the “Remember Me” Feature - On public or shared devices, refrain from using the "remember me" option to prevent future users from accessing your accounts.
5. Use Secure Networks - Avoid using unsecured Wi-Fi networks for sensitive activities such as banking or updating software. Always opt for secure, encrypted connections.
6. Turn Off Bluetooth - When in public spaces, turn off Bluetooth when you're not using it to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Stay Vigilant

If you ever suspect that your personal information has been compromised, take immediate steps to address the issue, including contacting your financial institutions or credit reporting agencies.

By following these best practices, you can help protect yourself from common cybersecurity threats and ensure your online activity is secure.