Online security strategies
Please take the time to seriously think about how to lessen your exposure to identity theft, phishing schemes, etc. The news is full of stories about devious hackers and innocent or naive people who are stunned to learn they've been played.
I'll periodically add news stories/ideas here so you're aware of the latest nasties making the rounds.
At the very least, never choose passwords such as 12345, password, your house numbers, mother's middle name, and so on. Those "passwords" are just too easy to guess. Mix it up—use capital letters, symbols, numbers, underscores, etc., anything that's permissible. Periodically change your passwords. Don't use the same one or two passwords for everything.
Common suggestions include the following:
And remember that even if you're very careful, it's possible to still get scammed or at least tricked. (I was one of the unfortunate people whose info was hacked in the recent Adobe theft.) Hackers are clever people; their skills are legendary, and they're very good at what they do. Never respond to an unexpected/unsolicited email by clicking on a provided link. At the very least, copy the link, open a new browser window, and paste it in. Then see what happens. Don't email Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, etc. Better to be safe than sorry.
Make it as difficult as possible for hackers to get your stuff. They want an easy target. Encourage them to go elsewhere for victims.
I'll periodically add news stories/ideas here so you're aware of the latest nasties making the rounds.
At the very least, never choose passwords such as 12345, password, your house numbers, mother's middle name, and so on. Those "passwords" are just too easy to guess. Mix it up—use capital letters, symbols, numbers, underscores, etc., anything that's permissible. Periodically change your passwords. Don't use the same one or two passwords for everything.
Common suggestions include the following:
- Use a mix of capital and lowercase letters
- Make passwords at least 8 characters long
- Use combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols (such as an exclamation mark or ampersand)
- Avoid words found in dictionaries
- Avoid easy-to-guess words, even if they aren't in the dictionary
- Don't use your name, company name or hometown, pet breeds, or relatives' names
- Stay away from family birthdays or zip codes that can be found online
And remember that even if you're very careful, it's possible to still get scammed or at least tricked. (I was one of the unfortunate people whose info was hacked in the recent Adobe theft.) Hackers are clever people; their skills are legendary, and they're very good at what they do. Never respond to an unexpected/unsolicited email by clicking on a provided link. At the very least, copy the link, open a new browser window, and paste it in. Then see what happens. Don't email Social Security numbers, credit card numbers, etc. Better to be safe than sorry.
Make it as difficult as possible for hackers to get your stuff. They want an easy target. Encourage them to go elsewhere for victims.
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Helpful info to secure your online presence
(from www.rd.com) Use 2-step verification! Facebook and Gmail have an optional security feature that, once activated, requires you to enter two passwords—your normal password plus a code that the companies text to your phone—to access your account. “The added step is a slight inconvenience that’s worth the trouble when the alternative can be getting hacked,” says CNET tech writer Matt Elliot.
To set up the verification on Gmail, click on Account, then Security. On Facebook, log in, click on the down icon next to Home, and then click on Account Setting, Security, and finally Login Approvals.
To set up the verification on Gmail, click on Account, then Security. On Facebook, log in, click on the down icon next to Home, and then click on Account Setting, Security, and finally Login Approvals.