Security in technology is a topic that makes the news on a regular basis. Whether it’s a large-scale data breach or a smaller case of identity theft, security is a common topic in our world today. Here are a few easy steps you can take to prevent others from accessing your information.
Use different passwords for each account. This is one of the most frequently broken rules in cyber security. Using the same password for multiple accounts allows malicious users an opening into all those accounts simply by getting hold of a single account password.
- Enable a lock code on your smartphone. Many if not most smartphone users have apps on those devices that provide easy access to social media, financial accounts, and shopping. Losing a phone that is not locked makes it very easy for someone to access your information or make purchases in your name.
- Use a strong password, including numbers, letters, and symbols, and at least 12 characters long.
- Make it a habit to monitor your financial accounts. Review your credit report at least quarterly and check financial statements monthly to check for unusual activity. If your bank provides credit monitoring, make sure that it is active and that you are using it. Financial accounts are a frequent target of identity theft, and monitoring helps to nip malicious activity in the bud.
It’s important to understand that your data IS on the internet, somewhere. Short of living completely off the grid in a shack in the wilderness, it’s nearly impossible for an average person to keep all personal data off of the internet. Take a few basic precautions, and you can rest easier at night.