10 Online Safety Tips

Happy Monday!

Let’s talk about staying safe online since more and more people are shopping online, banking online, and rambling all over the internet.

On social media, you talk about leaving on vacation. You go to a restaurant and log in to Yelp or FB or Instagram.

You just got your hair cut and leave a review for the salon. There are so many things we do that could pose a problem to personal security.

Here are some tips I practice that you might want to practice too.

10 Online Safety Tips

1. Be careful about what you share online. It’s great to leave a review for a fabulous dinner out or a manicure or the cruise you’re taking, but wait until you get home to do it–not while your house is empty. It’s no surprise that the bad guys mine information from the internet in hopes of making an easy score.

You may be on Nextdoor with the rest of your community and think it’s okay to talk about your upcoming vacation. Don’t assume that everyone on your Nextdoor page is honest. They may be, but you’re making an assumption based on assumed familiarity. You don’t really know everyone in your community.

2. Create passwords of 12 digits. Compose them using upper and lower case letters, numbers, and typographic symbols. Figure out something you’ll remember that is unique to you. Maybe it’s a string of important dates interspersed with symbols. Whatever you choose, make sure you’ve never posted those dates on your social media pages.

3. Change your passwords at least every other month. Yes, it can be a drag which is why it’s important to create something specific and unique that’s easy for you to change up and remember.

4. Have a different password for every online account.

5. Change the name of your WiFi home network to something random. It’s not wise to name your WiFi network “Smith WiFi.” The technician who installed our new router said a 12 digit network name, created the same as a passcode, is needed in today’s world. If a hacker sees “Smith Family,” then he already has an important piece of information about you. Your name.

6. Shop online at well-known websites that are secure. Just because a tee shirt shop offers great designs and low prices doesn’t mean they’re reputable so beware of filling out your credit card information. They may be okay, but they could be a scam site. Always make sure the website is secure which is indicated by the green lock icon and the https that begins the website address.

7. Be aware that tracking cookies follow you around the internet. If you’re been shopping for a movie poster, as I did recently, it’s no surprise that every website you visit suddenly shows you ads for movie posters.

The problem is that the ad you see on a search engine page or a social media website may not have been validated. Websites are interested mostly in selling ad space. That means fake ads are out there.

A fake ad contains a piece of code that gets activated if you click on it. You’ve heard of malware, right? Very bad things can happen to your computer.

8. Never click something that is click bait. Click bait is something that appears to be shocking, breaking news. Example: Kim Kardashian, RIP. You’re suddenly wondering, “OMG, did Kim K. die?” Click bait is the same problem as fake ads.

9. Use 2 Factor Authentication. This can be another PITA, but it does add another layer of protection. Most websites are offering this. Do it.

10. Sign up with your credit card companies to receive text messages about activity. When a charge is made, you get a text alert. This has actually alerted me about fraudulent activity on my credit card.

One instance was a card skimmer at a gas pump when I filled up. I swear, I couldn’t tell there was anything different about that gas pump card reader.

Twenty minutes later I received a text from my credit card company asking if I had just made a $1,000.00 charge to a company. Before I could even text NO, the credit card company called me. They immediately canceled my card number and sent me new cards by FedEx. Text, email, and phone alerts are the way to go.

Takeaway Truth

Online shopping is convenient and easy. Do whatever is necessary to make it as secure as possible.

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