Cyber scams are never going away. The more you live your life online, the more thieves will target you there. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself in as many ways as possible. Here are some tips to help you ward off cyber attacks.
Use a Password App
You need passwords for basically everything, so it helps to make them as strong as possible. While you could rely on your thinking, it’s a better idea to use a password generator app. These apps not only store your passwords so you can retrieve them easily, but they also create extremely complex passwords that are hard to crack.
Engage with Two Factors
Speaking of passwords, you should be using two-factor authentication when it’s offered. As the name suggests, two-factor authentication is when websites ask you for a password and then another form of ID to confirm your identity. Usually, the second method is a one-time code sent as an email or text. If your bank offers this service, use it. Two safety precautions are better than one.
Update Software
One of the ways digital thieves find your information is through security flaws in software. While you can’t do anything about security code breaks, you can turn on auto-updates so that your software is always up to date. When companies update their software, they usually include security fixes. That means you’ll always be using the most secure apps and software.
Don’t Click
A good rule of thumb for protecting yourself from cyber attacks is to think before you click. If a text or email contains a suspicious link, don’t click it. You’re always better off Googling the information first and then, if the link is indeed safe, clicking it afterward.
Read more personal finance articles
This article by Chris O'Shea originally appeared on SavvyMoney blog(Opens in a new Window), and is used by permission.
[Equal Housing Lender]
