- Be suspicious of emails & phone calls. We trust others too much – and bad guys take advantage of that.
- Avoid clicking on email attachments & links - even from people you trust - since their account could have been hacked. Check the FROM address. When in doubt CALL the sender or just delete the email.
- Watch for anything fake (i.e., misspelled website names - it could simply be misspelled by ONE letter!)
- When in doubt get help from someone trusted!
- Disconnect a suspected compromised device or turn it off as soon as possible.
- Use long passwords, phrases or non-sensical sentences.
- Never keep a password list in Word, Email, XL or other. ONLY STORE PASSWORDS in an encrypted password management tool.
- Change default passwords on everything: cameras, refrigerators, laptops, smartphones etc.
- Reset your passwords if you suspect they are compromised. Reset your password if you EVER share it for ANY account.
- Never share your credit-card, bank routing number or social security numbers.
- Secure your IRS and Social Security Accounts.
- Don’t use Debit card or echecks to buy anything online. DO use a Credit Card, PayPal or One time Cash Credit card. Only buy from trusted websites.
- Consider $1mil in identity Insurance from: IdentityGuard, CostCo (CompleteID), LifeLock, or IdentityDefense. Be sure it covers $1mil in insurance (what if they sell your house and buy another house and leave you holding the debt?)
- Plan to be hacked. Do you have all the info you need to cancel accounts and reset passwords without your computer or phone?
- Update/Patch everything - cameras, refrigerators, laptops, smartphones - they all need software updates.
- Turn on Two Factor (Two Step) Login wherever you can.
- Don’t use unsecure WiFi unless you use always on VPN.
- Create separate emails for junk, banking and social interaction.
- Consider DNS Security. Add OpenDNS or Quad9 on your home firewall (both are free for home use).
- Back Up your data. Use a USB drive and/or services like: Acronis, iDrive, BackBlaze or Carbonite.
- Destroy or fully wipe data on any device you are returning, throwing away or donating.
- Secure every smartphone – add a pin/password and turn off geotagging, only use secure wifi. Don’t install suspicious apps.
- Install Anti-Virus/Anti-Malware on Android devices and PCs
- Watch out for Malicious SMS/MMS smartphone text messages with links.
- Avoid sharing personal information on social media that could match security challenge questions. Don’t share trip information online - thieves can use it to know when to break in while you are away.
- Help others stay safe online!
