When it comes to your online security, the last thing you want to rely on is the luck of the Irish. You may find a few shamrocks today, but you’re going to need a lot more than that to protect yourself from cyberattacks and other online threats.
The worst time to worry about your online security is after you’ve been hacked or your device has been stolen, so take 5 minutes today to learn how to stay safe for the next 5 years!
- Choose better passwords Most people make one of two fatal mistakes when dealing with their passwords – choosing one that is too simple, or using the same password for everything. Here’s 5 simple tips to beef up your password.
- Turn on 2FA When it comes to your information, the more protection you have the better. Two-factor authentication (2FA) is your second line of defense and is just as important as your password. Best of all, it only takes a minute or two to set it up on most accounts.
- Lock your phone In 2015, it was reported that only 61% of Americans lock their smartphone with a PIN or password. With nearly half of all smartphone users making bank transactions with their phone, an unlocked phone is like catnip for an identity thief.
- Encrypt your data In light of the recent FBI vs. Apple confrontation, you want to make you’re the only one with access to your online accounts, even if your device is lost, stolen or seized. Both iPhone and Android devices offer encryption as a built-in feature, so take advantage of it!
- Backup everything If your device really does get lost, though, you’ll want to have your information backed up in a safe place. Consider downloading a backup app for either iPhone or Android.