(Source: PCMag)
- Create stronger passwords. Last October's massive Adobe breach reiterated why your password should never be something like '123456'.
- Protect your mobile devices. More (and more sophisticated malware) is appearing on mobile devices and, with the shift to BYOD, mobile is becoming the new 'hot target.' Both consumers and businesses need to keep their mobile devices secured.
- Be smart about mobile hotspots. Remember when German researchers were able to crack the entire pool of auto-generated passwords for the automatic mobile hotspot feature for iPhones in 30 seconds? Reminder.
- Practice safe browsing. Hackers love public Wi-Fi. If you are using one, avoid logging into personal accounts, particularly financial websites. Oh, and make sure your device is protected.
- Back up your data and personal files. Computers crash and mobile devices get lost or stolen. That's life. Fortunately, there are tons of backup solutions these days. SecureAnywhere Complete comes with 25 GB of secure online storage that you can access on all your devices.
- Use a password manager. While creating stronger passwords (point 1) is a good thing, even strong passwords are crackable...and they have to be memorized. Enter an encrypted Password Management solution, such as the one included in WSA Internet Security Plus and Internet Security Complete.
- Don't write down your passwords. A handwritten 'Master Sheet' of all your passwords can be useful if you have long and difficult passwords. It also has the advantage of not being stored on a hackable computer or mobile device. But what happens if you lose that piece of paper. Stick to the password manager solution.
- Device Infected? Don't rush to dish out the money. We all remember the fairly recent new-age ransomware called Cryptoloker, right? But while ransomware uses fradulent scare tactics to steal people's money, many users are quick to pay a legitimate computer shop to deal with an infection. Remember that if you're a Webroot user, we offer completely free malware removal for all of our customers!
- Check your URLs and watch what you click in your emails. 1. When typing a URL (especially if you're planning to log in to an important account such as a bank), make sure that you type it correctly. You may accidentally visit a phishing site and not be aware that you're giving out your personal info to hackers. 2. Be careful what you click in the emails you receive. Phishing emails are rampant and there are always new spam campaigns that mimic popular websites and social networks.
- Take basic mobile security measures, like locking your screens. A pattern lock (and even more so a personal PIN or password) provide at least some layer of security, as opposed to a simple screen swipe unlock, and yet many users choose not to take this simple security step. Don't be one of those people.
Have a happy and safe start to the New Year!