In the world, in the connected world, keeping people safe when they’re online is just as important as keeping people safe when they walk out of their houses and lock their doors. Every click, download, and password you enter carries a risk for your digital security. Luckily, keeping yourself safe online doesn’t require a tech degree or a pricey set of tools. They simply demand a few easy-to-learn (and easy-to-follow) habits. Whether you want to protect your personal information, bank accounts, or home computer security, these everyday actions can add up.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords
It may be the oldest advice in the book, but it’s also one of the best. Too many people use the same password for multiple accounts. If one of those sites is hacked, there is a risk to every other account that uses the same password. Instead, use strong passwords that include letters, numbers, and symbols, and don’t use the same ones across multiple accounts. A password manager is a nice way to create and store secure passwords without having to remember all of them.
Activate Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication (2FA) provides an added layer of protection for your online accounts. Then, even if someone figures out your password, that person can’t access your account without the second factor — typically a code sent to your phone or generated by an authentication app. Encrypting it by using 2FA for accounts that have access to your email, bank or cloud storage services, is an easy step to increase your overall online safety.
Software and Device Updates
Most cyberattacks take advantage of known vulnerabilities in outdated software. That’s why you need to update your operating system, apps, and antivirus programs. Most devices have the capability for automatic updates — turn them on when you can. Frequent updates patch security vulnerabilities and ensure you are running the most up-to-date protection available.
Watch Out for Links and Attachments
Phishing attacks are increasingly sophisticated, and you may receive bogus emails or texts that appear to come from friends, family, or legitimate businesses, and that contain convincing links to malicious sites, or that encourage you to download a file. Click with your brain on! If an email seems suspect, especially if it’s pressing or is soliciting personal info, check on its credibility before clicking around.
Protect Your Home Wi-Fi Network
Your home network is the door to all of your connected devices. The place to start is to change the default username and password on your router. Then, ensure that you are using encryption — WPA3 preferably, or at least WPA2. Do not use any public or insecure Wi-Fi/Internet connections for working on sensitive matters. If you need to connect to public Wi-Fi, use a virtual private network (VPN) to encrypt your data.
Backup Your Important Data Periodically
Ransomware attacks and hardware crashes can mean that you lose important files. While we’re probably just preaching to the choir here, there’s no single safeguard more reliable than the practice of consistently backing up your data to the cloud besides an external hard drive, which makes certain important documents, albums of photos, movies, and other types of files remain intact and recoverable. (There would be an update feature for these recovered files as well.) Establish periodic automatic backups so you don’t forget to manage them manually.
Educate Your Household
There is safety in numbers for protecting your home computer. Everyone in your household should understand basic digital hygiene, including kids and any elderly family members. Discussing password safety, scams, and never sharing sensitive information online. You can also create limited user profiles for younger members of the family to limit their risk exposure.
Use Secure Security Software Programs
Antivirus and anti-malware for home use protect your PC from viruses, ransomware, and other malware. They offer full threat protection in real-time and will check your computer for latent weak spots. Pick a highly rated security suite and keep it current.
You don’t have to make being safe online seem complicated. Below are some easy habits to adopt that will decrease your chances of falling victim to a cyber threat. As you follow these best practices, you’re not only protecting your personal information, but you’re also creating a safer digital environment for your entire home. Your home computer security is an ongoing project, and it depends on the little choices you make every day, so make them count.
