Having a strong password is important to keeping your information safe and private online, but passwords aren't all there is to having strong cyber-security. Here are five tips to help keep your online presence private and your sensitive information secure.
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The convenience of being logged into all your accounts is tempting, but if these devices are stolen the thief have have access to your email, online banking, or more. If your devices are not strongly protected, log out of all accounts on your device.
If you do have strong authentication and protection on your laptop, mobile phone, and/or desktop computer, this is less critical. However, always log out of your accounts on public or shared devices.
To properly protect your devices and the important information within, it is critical you have some form of two-factor authentication enabled. Programs like Google Authenticator and Authy are good, strong choices for providing reliable two-factor authentication.
Unsecure connections, like public wi-fi, are extremely easy targets for data breaching. Do not enter any passwords or access any sensitive information on unsecure public wi-fi, ever!
Phishing is one of the most common ways breaches of data can occur. Do not click on any links where you are unaware of the source, and beware of emails designed to look like your bank or your PayPal account, or anything of the like. Be diligent, and only click on links you're 100% sure are the real thing.
Trojans, spyware, malware, and other malicious software can install itself onto your device if they are opened by you, and a common way to do this is through disguised email attachments. Always be wary of strange attachments, particularly .exe files.