Everyday Cybersecurity

Use Strong and Unique Passwords

1. Create strong, complex passwords that include a combination of letters (both uppercase and lowercase), numbers, and special characters.
2. Avoid using easily guessable information like personal names, birthdays, or common words.
3. Use a different password for each online account to prevent a single breach from compromising multiple accounts.
4. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate, store, and autofill complex passwords securely.
5. If you have a significant number of passwords to remember, consider using a password manager tool.

Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

1. Whenever possible, enable 2FA for your online accounts. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring you to provide a second authentication factor, such as a one-time code sent to your mobile device or email, in addition to your password.
2. Use app-based 2FA methods (e.g., Google Authenticator or Authy) rather than SMS-based methods, as SMS-based 2FA can be vulnerable to SIM swapping attacks.
3. For your most sensitive accounts (payment services, financial institutions, medical providers, healthcare insurance, etc.), consider using biometric authentication devices.
4. For less sensitive, but still important accounts (power, water, and gas utilities, telephone services, cable or internet services, etc.), consider asking your service provider to set a security word, a security question & answer, or a passphrase that isn't easy for others to guess.

Be Cautious with Personal Information

1. Be mindful of the information you share online, especially on social media.
2. Avoid posting sensitive personal details such as your full address, phone number, or financial information.
3. Be skeptical of unsolicited emails, messages, or requests for personal information.
4. Phishing attacks often use social engineering to trick users into revealing sensitive data.
5. Regularly review the privacy settings of your social media accounts and limit the amount of personal information that is publicly visible.

Additional tips for online safety

1. Keep your software and devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.
2. Use a reputable antivirus and anti-malware software.
3. Be cautious when downloading files or clicking on links from unknown sources.
4. Educate yourself about common online threats and scams to better recognize and avoid them.
5. Consider using reputable Virtual Private Network (VPN) software to keep prying eyes from monitoring your online activities.
6. Be wary of browser extensions or plugins; only use them when provided by reputable organizations; and consider isolating them to a specific browser profile to limit what a malicious browser extension can access.