{"id":694,"date":"2022-03-01T08:41:45","date_gmt":"2022-03-01T08:41:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/101webdemo.com\/Comwave\/?p=694"},"modified":"2023-12-06T21:43:09","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T21:43:09","slug":"cyber-safety-how-to-secure-your-accounts","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.comwave.net\/residential\/blog\/cyber-safety-how-to-secure-your-accounts\/","title":{"rendered":"Cyber Safety: How to Secure Your Accounts"},"content":{"rendered":"

There\u2019s no doubt that the internet has made us all more connected. Still, the digital age presents new types of risks as more of our daily lives\u2014our interactions, conversations, and how we work, shop, and access information\u2014now take place\u00a0online<\/a>.<\/p>

But even the first step\u2014creating an account or profile\u2014requires disclosing personal information, like your name, date of birth, gender, location, and other identifiable information. And despite the growth of personal data privacy controls, the risk of cybersecurity issues Iike hacking, phishing, identity theft, and spam still remain.<\/p>

To prevent these, it\u2019s important to practice cyber safety. This means keeping your digital footprint and online profiles secure from unauthorized access and your interactions safe from the risk of unlawful tracking and manipulation. The good news is there are lots of quick and easy cyber safety tips that you can practice to stay safe online. Keep reading to learn more:<\/p>

7 Cyber Safety Tips<\/h2>
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  1. Use unique passwords<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>

    You need a password for every account you create\u2014it\u2019s the most basic way of securing your personal information and activity. Unfortunately, we are often our most common pitfall to using passwords correctly. Many people use a single password for all their accounts, so it\u2019s easy to remember. But this makes all of your accounts vulnerable even from just a single breach.<\/p>

    To avoid this, make sure to create a unique password for each account. Try to use at least 12 characters with a combination of upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.<\/p>

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    1. Upgrade your passwords to passphrases<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>

      Remember that since most passwords are the names of pets or birthdays of family members, these can still be easy to guess once attackers have gathered some information about you. For better cyber safety, use a passphrase instead: a combination of four or more random words with a minimum of 15 characters.<\/p>

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      1. Update your passwords or passphrases regularly<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>

        No password should ever stay the same across websites and platforms. Old passwords often have fewer characters, making them easier to guess. In some instances, the information they\u2019re based on\u2014like your first pet\u2019s name or the name of the street you grew up on\u2014can become public as more information about you is revealed online. Practice cyber safety by regularly reviewing and updating your passwords according to the latest security standards.<\/p>

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        1. Only login from trusted devices and networks<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>

          Be mindful of where you\u2019re logging in from\u2014the device you\u2019re using and the Wi-Fi network you\u2019re on. Other than outright guessing your password using a handful of combinations, sophisticated cybercriminals can also obtain your personal information via devices and networks you\u2019ve previously logged on from.\u00a0<\/p>

          For optimal cyber safety, avoid logging into particularly sensitive accounts, like online banking, on public computers and networks. Similarly, pay attention to the websites you visit and steer clear of any site that asks you to send your account information via email or text.<\/p>

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          1. Enable multi-factor authentication<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>

            One of the latest standards in cyber safety is multi-factor authentication for account logins. Multi-factor authentication works by prompting you to enter a code sent to a verified device. This allows a site to confirm that the login attempt is legitimate and secure, and from a trusted device.<\/p>

            It\u2019s an added layer of cybersecurity that keeps attackers out, even if they\u2019ve managed to get ahold of your password. In addition, when multi-factor authentication is enabled, most sites will also notify you of the login attempt, making it easier to confirm and keep track of secure logins and report unauthorized access.<\/p>

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            1. Review your privacy settings periodically<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>

              Do your own privacy check-up often. It\u2019s not enough that you keep your passwords secure; you also need to check what others can see about you, especially on social media platforms.<\/p>

              A major part of creating a profile is personalizing your experience. For example, social media platforms and other websites often invite users to share their location, interests, birth date, and other personal information. And while these are great for staying in touch with people we know and trust, these also put you at risk of cybersecurity threats, like hacking and phishing.<\/p>

              Don\u2019t wait for a data breach or other potential problems. Instead, practice cyber safety by reviewing your privacy settings, such as who can see what you\u2019re posting and what personal information is visible and tracked. Set your default settings to maximum privacy, so posts and other information are visible only to people you know\u2014if you must share them at all.<\/p>

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              1. Practice safe social<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>

                More than controlling what others see about you on social media platforms, share responsibly to start. Even with maximum privacy settings, it\u2019s impossible to be 100% certain that only the people you trust can see your online activity.<\/p>

                Keep in mind these cyber safety tips when interacting online:<\/p>