Spending time online shouldn’t be stressful. Between hackers and phishing scams, safely using the internet is easier said than done. Protect yourself and your personal information with these security tips!
Phishing Emails
Avoid being hooked by a phishing email! If it seems too good to be true, it probably is. Besides appealing offers, phishing emails often convey a sense of urgency or use scare tactics. Also, be sure to check the actual email address of the sender, rather than the name as it appears in your inbox. If it seems suspicious or doesn’t match up with the company, leave it alone.
Keep your eyes peeled for spelling and grammar errors, as well as emails that request confidential information. Hover over links to check the URLs and do not open any unsolicited attachments.
Remember…when in doubt, throw it out!
Passwords
A great security practice is keeping your passwords strong and varied. Although it’s easier to remember a single password for all your different accounts, it’s not the smartest idea. Instead, you should vary your password for every different site and account you use.
How do you remember all those passwords? Use a password manager! This software keeps all your passwords in one place, so you only have to remember one password to unlock the rest.
In the past, it was recommended to change passwords every three months. Now, cybersecurity experts say that you do not need to regularly change passwords if they are strong and unique. However, you should immediately change passwords if there is a security breach, or you suspect unauthorized access.
System Updates and Software
Your software, operating system, firewall, and browser should always be up to date. The older a system is, the more time hackers have had to find a way in. Be sure to turn on automatic updates for your operating system and don’t ignore your update pop-ups!
Another good way to protect your computer is to install anti-virus software. Only install these programs from a known and trusted source. Keep your anti-virus software up to date as well.
Other helpful security tips include:
- Steer clear of unknown websites
- Avoid unnecessary downloads
- Be aware of what you’re sharing on social media
- Try not to use debit cards online
- Don’t save payment information
- Back up your data
Having secure internet can also help protect you against hackers and scams. High-speed internet from TWN uses secure technology to provide you with a connection you can trust, so you can search, stream, and scroll with confidence.
Visit twncomm.com or call 877-877-6861 to get started or upgrade your plan today.
