This Month at CES we are seeking out ways to inform you on cyber security. We want you to be as informed as possible on how you can protect yourself from cyber threats and identity protection online. “The internet is a shared resource, and securing it is our shared global responsibility.” Below are several tips, from our friends at Stop Think Connect, for protecting yourself from cyber threats and to insure you are being wise while you enjoy your time online.
Lock Down Your Login
Your username and password may not be enough to protect key accounts like your email. If biometrics are offered, you should use these to strengthen your account security -whenever it is offered. Biometrics include things like security questions or security photo identification.
Keep A Clean Machine
Add cyber cleaning to your annual spring cleaning ritual! Keep all software on internet-connected devices ¬– including personal computers, smartphones and tablets – current to reduce risk of infection from ransomware and malware.
When In Doubt, Throw It Out
Links in email, tweets, posts and online advertising are often how cybercriminals try to compromise your information. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it’s best to delete or, if appropriate, mark it as junk.
Back It Up
Protect your valuable work, music, photos and other digital information by making an electronic copy and storing it safely. If you have a copy of your data and your device falls victim to ransomware or other cyber threats, you will be able to restore the data from a backup.
Own Your Online Presence
Set the privacy and security settings on websites to your comfort level for information sharing. It is okay to limit how and with whom you share information.
Share With Care
Think before posting about yourself and others online. Consider what a post reveals, who might see it and how it might affect you or others.Posting vacation pictures while you are on vacation may let others know your home and office devices may be accessible.
Personal Information Is Like Money. Value It. Protect It.
Information about you, such as purchase history or location, has value – just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it is collected by apps, websites and all connected devices.
It is important to educate yourself on cyber threat protection and to educate children. Anyone can be a victim of cyber threats and identity theft, so know how you can protect yourself and your family online.
This information and much more can be found at stopthinkconnect.org.