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Online security tips

When using the Internet, it is important to take steps to protect your data, finances, and identity. Here are some tips on how you can protect yourself:

Create Strong Passwords

  • Use strong passwords that contain a mixture of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Longer passwords are always better.
  • Avoid passwords containing popular words, names, dates, and personal, predictable information such as your date of birth. Keep them random.
  • Use password manager.
  • Use passphrases instead of passwords wherever possible. (for example, ‘Ther3+can+only+be+one!’)
  • Avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
  • Never share your passwords with anyone.
  • Use multi-factor authentication wherever possible.
  • Always secure your smart phone, tablet or other mobile devices with a pin or password.
  • If you suspect your account has been compromised, change your password as soon as possible.

Protect Your Devices

  • Malware can compromise your passwords, account numbers and other personal information. Most devices provide automatic software updates, containing malware protection. Ensure yours are set to update automatically.
  • Lock your devices when leaving them unattended.
  • Regularly check your computer for viruses and other malware.

Be Aware of Scams

Bad actors seek to obtain your personal information and compromise your security. They use a range of techniques to obtain this information, including phishing emails, text messages (smishing), phone calls (vishing) or in person conversations.

  • Beware of phony URLs and links in emails and texts.
  • When shopping online, look for ‘https’ at the beginning of the URL. The ‘s’ signifies a secure link.
  • If something looks fishy, check with known senders directly, via alternate channels, before clicking on links.
  • Never open links or attachments from unknown or suspicious sources.
  • Look out for red flags such as bad grammar, spelling errors or a sense of urgency in the tone of the message.
  • Many of these attempts come from unknown numbers. Your mobile device may have a way to automatically silence or block unknown callers.
  • Never use a public computer to access personal accounts or for online shopping.
  • Remember that some ‘free’ downloads available online can contain viruses or spyware. Download with caution!
  • Warn your elderly loved ones about telephone scams. Oversee what your children are doing online to keep them out of danger. Check their privacy settings, and your own, on social media sites.
  • When in doubt, delete and report the message.

Be Careful Sharing on Social Media Sites

  • Think twice before posting personal information on the Internet e.g., answering Facebook quizzes, uploading photos of your address etc. Remember, it is out in the open forever, and what you post on public websites can give the bad guys information to form their scams.

Remember, Everybody has value to a scammer!!