Protect Yourself Online. A Focus on Simple Internet Security

We are all inextricably connected to the Internet. Email, apps, websites and other family and business tools are a part of life that are merged more deeply with us every day. This relationship with technology can be severely tested when we are victimized by hackers and scam artists, causing loss of time and money — straining your patience to the brink.

In order to avoid falling victim to cyber security threats, there are some simple steps we all should follow.

This is a friendly reminder to do the basics to protect yourselves and your family.

1. Update your passwords to something secure. It is surprising how many password out there are “1234”. Use a mix of numbers, letters and symbols.
2. Use the strongest authentication tools that your accounts offer. 2-step verification is an excellent way to help stay safe.
3. Update your computer and device operating systems on a regular basis.
4. Don’t share your passwords.
5. Don’t trust emails you don’t recognize. Be suspicious of any email that is not 100 legitimate to you, and delete it. When in doubt — throw it out!
6. Don’t click on any attachments unless you are 100% sure they are from a legitimate sender. Your first reaction to any attachment should be suspicion. When in doubt — throw it out!
7. Don’t click ‘OK’, or ‘Accept’ on pop-up widows. These can trigger spyware or ransom ware. Try to close them by clicking the X, or if on a PC use Alt+F4 to close the widow without clicking at all. If that does not work use Ctrl+Alt+Delete to display the Processes, and end the browser process with the “End Process” button.
8. Be sure your local network is secured with a password.
9. Run a security suite on your computer. Trend micro is a good one.
10. Don’t share so much! It is fun to participate in social media and sharing platforms. But, think before you share. You may be helping thieves build a profile on you that can be used to access your personal files.