Did you know that hackers attack every 39 seconds?
If you think you’re not a target, think again.
Hackers aren’t just going after your bank account. Your identity, financial data, e-mail account and other information are all valuable to someone trying to access your information.
So how can you reduce the risk of falling for a scam? Stay cyberwise with these four tips for keeping yourself cyber safe online.
1. Turn on Multifactor Authentication.
Once a password is obtained, a hacker has access to your accounts. So turning on multifactor authentication adds another layer of protection, making sure it’s you accessing your accounts and not someone else.
Multifactor verifies your identity by asking for two forms of information. This usually consists of something you know, like a pin number; something you have, like an authentication application or a confirmation text to your phone; or something you are, like your faceID or fingerprint.
Having a password and multifactor authentication adds layers of security, creating a more robust method of defense against hackers trying to access your information.
2. Update Your Software.
Bad actors online will exploit flaws in a system. Software updates work to fix system flaws to keep your accounts safe. So, turn on automatic software updates if they are available for your phone or computer. If automatic updates aren’t available, then set reminders to update the operating system on your mobile phone, tablet, and computer, in addition to updating the applications – especially web browsers – on all your devices.
3. Think before you click.
If you get a message or e-mail that looks off – perhaps it contains an urgent request for funds or information; asks you to click a link; submit personal information; has typos or comes from a web or e-mail address that doesn’t match the sender – think before you click. Messages like this are likely a phishing scheme. They may look legitimate, but in reality are sent by bad actors trying to obtain your personal information or access to your devices.
If you get a message like this, delete and report it if possible. If you want to verify the message, call the sender directly (if it’s from a business like your bank for example), not using any phone number or e-mail links found in the message, and verify the legitimacy of the request.
4. Use strong passwords.
Did you know that the most common password is “password”? “123456” is a close second, and using your personal information like a birthdate isn’t any better. Here are tips for choosing a strong password:
Make it a longer password – at least 16 characters
Choose a phrase that you can remember with characters and numbers included. Example: MyfavoriteseasonisFall5!
Use a randomly generated password and save it with a password manager.
Make sure you’re not using the same passwords across all your apps and websites.
Secure your passwords with Multifactor Authentication.
Remember – bad actors look for easy targets like people who don’t take precautions. Stay cyberwise and follow these steps to help to protect you and your personal information online.