Every day we hear more and more about identity theft in the news. People are the weakest link in securing data. Just one error can cause you pain with securing your identity and repairing your credit. Consider these cyber security tips.
- Individuals and businesses are at risk
Both groups are attractive targets to hackers. We only hear about the big cyber-attacks, but everyday people are victims of identity theft and cyber-attacks. - Keep software up to date
Software companies are updating (‘patches’) their software to fix weakness. Make sure that your software is up-to-date. Especially important for your anti-virus software. This should be updated daily! - Install antivirus software and a firewall
If you don’t have either of these, what are you waiting for? Get it today and make sure its installed on all your devices. - Strengthen your passwords
Increase the strength of your password with upper and lower-case letters, numbers and characters. Change your password often! - Check web addresses
Always go to the official website for banks and financial institutions to make sure that you are not using a phony website. - Never, ever click on links!
There is no reason to click on any link. It’s better to go to the website and navigate to the appropriate page. It only takes one click on a link to make you have a big headache! Also, depending on your email server, you can have links disabled so that employees cannot click on links attached to emails. - Never use public computers and WiFi connections for financial transactions
Your data can be copied and used to access your financial information. - Rely on two-level authentication
Financial institutions are utilizing two-level authentication to help prevent unauthorized access to your accounts. This is a great way of adding an additional layer of protection. Most are using one time text message codes to enter. If you have not set this up with your financial institutions, get started today. - Freeze Your Credit
Read my blog on freezing your credit. If you have not done this already, you should do this immediately to protect your credit.
