10 safety tips for internet security

Security doesn’t have to be difficult. If you want to protect against identity theft and other security issues, follow these ten easy tips.

1. Use better passwords. The more complicated your password is, the more protected you are. Make sure you use different passwords for each of your accounts so that you won’t be compromised by a single data leak.
2. Only do business with reputable online merchants. Anyone can set up a website that looks like a store. Look for online reviews and warnings before making a purchase.
3. Know when things are too good to be true. Many people are scammed through free offers, pirated software, or other potentially clandestine actions.
4. Learn to identify the warning signs of social engineering. Social engineers will try to convince you to give them protected information simply by asking. Always verify a person’s identity before giving them any information.
5. Don’t share too much on social media. Social media sharing can give out enough information to steal your identity.
6. Protect your devices. Smartphones, laptops, and tablets should all be password protected so that they can’t be used if stolen.
7. Separate your personal and work email addresses. If your email account is compromised, all of the accounts linked to it will be as well.
8. Set your computer to lock automatically. Computers and devices should lock themselves with a password after being idle for fifteen to thirty minutes. Otherwise, someone else could gain access your computer and your data.
9. Keep your antivirus and malware solution updated. Security solutions have to update regularly, or they won’t be able to protect against new vulnerabilities. Your antivirus and firewall solution should be allowed to update itself automatically when it can.
10. Use a credit card instead of a debit card. Credit cards are safer to use online because they have additional protections. It’s much easier to get a transaction overturned through a credit card.

Still concerned about Internet security? If you feel as though your computer may need a firewall upgrade or malware cleanup, Contact Us at Sonic Systems in Victorville for more information.