ONLINE SECURITY TIPS

Keep Your Operating System/Software Up to Date

Ransomware attacks are major attack vectors for both businesses and consumers, and one of the most important cyber security tips to mitigate ransomware is updating software, both operating system and applications. This helps remove critical vulnerabilities that hackers use to access your devices.

As such, turn on automatic system updates for your device, make sure your desktop web browser uses automatic security updates and keep your web browser plugins updated.

Use Anti-Virus Protection & Firewall

Anti-virus software is the most solid solution to fight malicious attacks. Anti-virus software blocks malware and other malicious viruses from entering your device and compromising your data.

Using a firewall is also important against malicious attacks. A firewall helps screen out hackers, viruses, and other malicious activity that occurs over the internet, and determines what traffic is allowed to be processed by your device.

Use Strong Passwords and Utilize a Password Management Tool

Using strong passwords helps keep your accounts safe, as opposed to opting for “predictable” ones which hackers can easily decrypt. Generally, a “strong password” contains at least one lowercase letter, one uppercase letter, one number, and symbols, preferably not & % # @ or _.

A password management tool like LastPass can also help keep your accounts and password access safe and secure.

Two-Factor or Multi-Factor Authentication

Two-factor or multi-factor authentication is a service that adds additional layers of security to standard username-password methods. With two-factor authentication, you’re prompted to key in an additional authentication code via a registered device or phone number.

Though two-factor authentication can be annoying at times, it largely gives your accounts an added layer of security that keeps you updated when a hacker actually tries to access your account(s).

Be Suspicious of Unsolicited Emails, Texts or Phone Calls

Phishing is basically malicious online tactic wherein an attacker poses as someone to trick people into divulging credentials, clicking a malicious link or opening an attachment that has a virus.

Experts note that a large percent of hacking incidents stem from responding to phishing emails or texts – which are largely messages that contain too-good-to-be-true messages, like being told that you won money from a contest you did not join.

Bottom line, be suspicious of unsolicited emails, texts or phone calls, and don’t take every email or text that lands in your inbox at face value.