Many aspects of our lives revolve around the ability to connect and communicate online. The process seems simple enough, using only a user name and a password to gain access to our finances, data, and other resources.
Hidden behind your computer screen are endless layers of complicated technologies, unregulated computers, and nameless individuals who collectively create “the internet.” Unfortunately, not everyone on the net wants to protect your resources. It’s up to you to defend your family’s resources.
Protect IT.
Take a couple of seconds of your time to protect yourself. Here’s four easy things that will significantly increase your online security:
- Engage Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) – This list provides links to the 2FA/security page on hundreds the most popular online platforms. 2FA is one of the strongest defenses you have to protect all your digital assets. This is the practice of requiring a second password, sent to a separate device, to access an account. An example is when the bank sends you a unique six-digit number to your phone to use in addition to your password before you can access your money from home.
- Turn off your phone’s WiFi when you’re not using it - you’re being tracked. Although you may not be using it, if on, the phone’s WiFi feature is constantly sending out a signal (your private information) looking for a WiFi system to which it can connect. It’s no coincidence that ads for chocolate “just happen” to start populating your phone at the exact moment you’re walking past a candy store at the mall. Additionally, you’ll save your phone’s battery by turning off the unused WiFi feature. Many, if not most of your favorite applications perform this same function. Check your privacy/location settings for each application.
- Use a VPN – A virtual private network (VPN) creates a private network allowing you to connect to the internet when your connection point is not secure. There’s no such thing as a free lunch – especially on the internet. If you connect to a “free WiFi” point at a coffee shop or other public spaces, there’s a very good chance that someone, somewhere is collecting data about you, your phone, and your digital footprint.
- Update ALL your software - Skipping software updates (applications, browsers, and operating systems) is a critical mistake that puts you at risk for identity theft, loss of money, credit, and more.
Protect your family and yourself. As long as you have assets connected to the internet (property, information, and finances), you will always be under attack. Unfortunately, it’s that simple.
October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. We’ve looked at identifying your digital footprint, securing your digital footprint, and today we’re protecting the mechanisms surrounding your digital footprint.
This is an ongoing battle that each of us need to engage. If you have any questions about cybersecurity, contact [email protected] or checkout the City’s Cybersecurity Resources page on the HUB.