The digital world has made so many aspects of life easier, and online bill paying and shopping are among the most popular. Protecting your financial information is more important than ever as we’re all using online resources more for financial transactions, and cyber criminals are getting more and more sophisticated.
Whether at home, work or school, there are several simple, but important, actions you can take to be more secure when online. Take the time to discuss these measures with your family, employees, and coworkers – since many security issues are spread from the actions of one unsuspecting user to another.
Using simple passwords, such as 12345, or identifying information like birthdays and kid or pet names, are not safe for protecting important accounts holding personal and financial information. Using the same password for all your accounts is also a terrible idea. Weak passwords can be broken easily by computer hackers.
Strong passwords are a long, random, and unique set of characters, and include a mix of character types (uppercase, lowercase, numbers, and symbols). Use strong passwords, and use a different password for every online account. It’s also important to change your passwords periodically.
Of course, it’s impossible to remember long, unique, strong passwords for all your accounts! Password managers are a perfect tool to help you create strong passwords for each of your accounts, and easily access them so you don’t have to memorize anything.
What to Know About Password Managers
A password manager is a tool that stores and manages passwords for online accounts and applications, so users don't have to remember them. Users log into the password manager with a master password. Some password managers also automatically enter login credentials into websites and apps for you if given permission.
Features of Password Managers:
Unique Passwords
A password manager creates a unique password for every account, which helps protect you from data breaches.
Easier Logins
Password managers automatically fill in the username and password details for you, simplifying and speeding up the login process.
Works Everywhere
You’ll be able to access passwords from anywhere, including different computers, tablets, and your phone.
One Password
Password managers are locked behind a single password (so you only have to remember one!). Make it hard to guess and use multi-factor authentication on your account.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before granting access to an account (such as a one-time code, fingerprint, or security question). This added layer of security makes it much harder for unauthorized individuals to access your accounts.
By requiring more than one and different types of authentication factors, MFA safeguards that even if one factor is compromised, unauthorized access is prevented at the next layer of authentication. This significantly reduces online risk of stolen or guessed passwords.
MFA is a simple, user-friendly way to protect your accounts and sensitive information online. You’ll get used to this extra step quickly, and, again, it’s well worth the effort in comparison to the alternative of getting hacked!
Keeping your software updated on all your devices is one of the best ways to maintain online security. Software updates include crucial security updates and software patches for known vulnerabilities and security issues in programs. Software updates effectively prevent hackers from exploiting software weaknesses and accessing your sensitive information. Hacking methods are always advancing, so keeping your software up-to-date closes potential entry points and keeps out malicious cyber criminals.
Phishing is a technique used by scammers that attempts to acquire sensitive data like bank account or credit card numbers, login credentials, and social security numbers by posing as someone familiar. Done through a fraudulent solicitation in an email, text message scams, voice phishing, or on a website, they are often successful because they pretend to be a trusted entity such as your back or a popular website you frequent.
Check fraud involves the illegal use of checks to steal money. This can include altering a check, forging a signature, or cashing a stolen check. Believe it or not, check fraud is rampant and doubled over the last two years. With check use declining, how could check fraud be so popular?
Check fraud is a low-tech crime and relatively easy crime to pull off, and there is still a large pool of potential victims. Criminals can steal checks from individuals who access homes, mailboxes or misuse checks at work or in organizations. Small businesses are often the target of check fraud because they have fewer resources. According to the Association of Fraud Examiners, small businesses with fewer than 100 employees have a median loss of $150,000 from fraud.
By being aware of these threats and taking proactive steps, you can protect yourself from online dangers. The time it takes for these extra measures is minor in comparison to dealing with identity theft or a robbery. Remember, vigilance is key to keeping your personal and financial information secure!
Signs of Identity Theft Learn what identity theft is, its warning signs, and how to protect yourself. Find out how to report identity theft if your information gets stolen.
Learn more about how to recognize phishing attacks, types of phishing, and ways to protect yourself.
More about the Benefits of Multi-factor Authentication
How to Identify and Protect Yourself from Unsafe Websites
Secure Our World Resources & Cybersecurity Awareness Month 2024 Toolkit has lots of resources and tip sheets about cybersecurity topics.
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Noelle has been a marketing professional, and a published author and copywriter for over 20 years. Her work has been featured in both print publications and online media, where she has written on a broad range of topics. She owns Castle Media Co., assisting businesses with their marketing and digital media needs, specializing in website development, content marketing, social media, copywriting, and blogging.
