Summertime is here and many of us want travel, explore northern California, or relax at home. No matter where you wander, online thieves will find you. Be sure that while you relax, you keep up your defenses against online attacks.
Here’s a short list of tips for summer safety:
1) You are a target to hackers - Don't ever say "It won't happen to me.” We are all at risk and the stakes are high - to your personal and financial well-being.
2) Keep all of your software up to date - Installing software updates for your operating system and programs is critical. Always install the latest security updates for your devices. A weakness in any one program can provide a point of entry for thieves to exploit your entire system.
3) Avoid Phishing scams – Be aware of suspicious emails and phone calls.
4) Practice good password management - We all have too many passwords to manage; it's easy to take short-cuts, like reusing the same password. A password management program can help you to maintain strong unique passwords for all of your accounts. These programs can generate strong passwords for you, enter credentials automatically, and remind you to update your passwords periodically.
5) Be careful what you click - Avoid visiting unknown websites or downloading software from untrusted sources. These sites often host malware that will automatically, and often silently, compromise your computer.
Remember - if you are online, you are under attack. Explore the City's Cybersecurity Resources page for in-depth conversations about cyber safety.