Our largest fear involving technology is being hacked. The fright includes our financial background dissolving into the midst of the dark web. How do we eliminate the vulnerabilities? My grandmother always expressed “knowledge is power.” Let’s take a few moments and get the basics of internet security installed in our brains.
Password Management: Changing all your passwords every 90 days seems redundant, and having to remember them is daunting. This alone can save you a lot of hassle and is huge concerning your protected accounts. If you are struggling with keeping your passwords straight, try using a trusted password management software like LastPass, or 1Password. Multi-factor authentication is a must for bank accounts and email accounts.
Phishing: Phishing involves the attacker sending you an email with a malicious link inside of it. This can be in combination with a file or another attachment. They often download files and install them on your computer without your knowing it. They use these files to log all your keystrokes on your keyboard, then hack into your individual accounts.
Did you know QR codes are not safe unless you trust the source? A QR code is an image that routes your phone or device to a website of the creator’s choice. You do not need an app to use it, just use your smartphone’s native camera app to scan the code.
If you are unsure about your online experience, there’s help! BitDefender total security suite might be worth the investment. They have protection against different cybersecurity attacks, like multi-layered ransomware, firewall, Wi-Fi security advisor and secure browsing for online banking. They also have vulnerability scanners just in case you are worried about the current state of your personal computer.
Keeping yourself safe online does not have to be hard. Knowledge is power. If you need more answers, professionals can assist with internet security. Check your local listings to get help with everything from internet security to getting rid of viruses.