Access to public computers is convenient and a great resource for us when we travel, but we need to be careful.
Before you use the Internet, take time to understand the risks and learn how to spot potential problems.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe online:
Get savvy about Wi-Fi hotspots:
To protect your privacy, don’t conduct personal transactions on Wi-Fi hotspots or public computers that ask for sensitive information such as bank account information, home address or your social security number. Wait until you’re on a private home computer.
Make Sure You Protect Your Personal Information:
Delete your browsing history: Simply use the browser tools available to delete your cookies and history when you are finished using a public computer. This will help to maintain your privacy and keep your information more secure.
Log out: Anyone can access public computers. Close all browser tabs and log out of your accounts (some computers do this automatically but it is good to confirm). You wouldn’t want just anyone to have access to your personal information and accounts.
Remember me “NOT”: Make sure the “remember me” function is not enabled on a public computer.
Use different passwords for every account:
Of course, it’s easier just to remember one password, but when has taking the easy route ever gotten you anywhere?
When there is a large-scale password breech, as we saw with LinkedIn or Twitter, you can understand why having one password is the worst thing you can do.
If the password and email address that you use for one account gets in the hands of the wrong person, they can start trying it on other sites and services.
Make sure you use different passwords on different sites.
Make sure your passwords are strong:
You need passwords that are good, hard-to-guess passwords. Use a mix of upper and lowercase letters and numbers and change your most important passwords at least once every six months.
If you have trouble remembering your passwords, try using a password-manager software.
Set up two-factor authentication:
Google recommends that two-factor authentication or two-step verification is something everyone should set up on their Google account.
This way when you sign into your account it will ask you to enter another code, which you can only get via text or a phone call.
Don’t reveal too much on social networks:
Experts say we are often providing enough information via social media profiles for hackers to figure out our passwords or answer those questions in the password reset tools.
Be very careful about the information you share in your public profile. Lock down your settings and don’t friend everyone who connects with you…. do your “homework” first.
This is a tough one, but experts recommend that you never post when you’re going out of town.
Protect your computer and browser:
This one used to be the most obvious and probably still is. Whether you are a Mac or a PC user, make sure your operating system is up-to-date with the latest security patches.
Secure your wireless connection:
Just as important is protecting the way you get onto the Internet. Make sure your home wireless network has a password and you’ve changed the default SSID, your network’s name, from “Linksys” to something else.
Shop only at safe sites:
Make sure the shopping site site has a little padlock icon next to the address and it has an HTTPS address before putting in your credit card number.
If you are a frequent on line shopper, keep a close eye on your credit card bills for suspicious charges.
Also, make sure to look at the site and make an educated decision about its legitimacy.
Think before clicking links:
Clicking links is second nature on the Internet, but be careful before you click those lines of text.
Anybody can create a template that looks like a bank and make it easy to click links and then access your computer or online account.
Be vigilant about the links you click in an email, especially when they come from companies.
Protect your phone with a password:
Your phone is now a computer and can have as much or even more personal information than your laptop or desktop. Experts firmly advised that you password-protect your smartphones and other hand-held devices.
Follow these tips and enjoy the Internet with greater confidence, knowing you’ve taken the right steps to safeguard and protect your privacy.
I look forward to hearing from you!!
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Until next time…..
Althea
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