Updating your internet security

We often get asked, “How do I protect myself on-line?”  The only way to be certain is to not be online, and we all know that is not an option.  We’d like to list some common security measures users can implement to help protect themselves online.

1. Use complex passwords, plural.  Why is this important?  Because simple passwords can be guessed, or “brute forced” (brute force is an exhaustive word search to get your password).  Have more than one password for different online services.  Don’t use your email password for your online shopping accounts.  Change your important passwords every 30 days.
2. Have an alternate email address, or addresses, for your online purchases.  Why is this important? Because many of the security breaches just get email addresses and not passwords or personal information.  Hackers will then use the email address to gather more information about you.  If you receive an email from NotMyRealEmailAddress@flashtech.com, you know it should only be for the online business for which you registered it.
3. Keep your anti-virus and operating system up to day.  Why is this important?  Because websites you visit can be hacked, not just your computer.  By having an updated anti-virus and operating system, you limit your exposure.
4. Common sense.  Why is this important?  Because even if you follow steps 1-3, you can still be compromised because you decided to click on a fake email or website.  If it doesn’t look like it belongs, it probably doesn’t.  If you get an email to your alternate email regarding a purchase, but you didn’t make a purchase, you probably shouldn’t open it.

Feel free to contact us with any questions, comment or suggestions about this article.