For many of us July means time at the beach and family vacations to out-of-town locations. But for cyber criminals living on the dark web July is a lucrative month to pillage the internet for those that have risky digital account habits. Just as important as securing your home before you leave town it’s equally important to bolster your digital security online. Here’s how to prevent cyber attacks in prime-time July:
Because many of us are booking travel arrangements, sharing vacation updates online, or using public Wi-Fi networks our online exposure is at an all-time high. As such it’s more critical than ever to maintain cyber safety. Following are ways you can stave off an attack on your digital identity:
STAY INFORMED
Be vigilant about phishing scams, which often come in the form of unsolicited emails or messages offering free vacations or deals. Always verify websites before entering personal info.
EDUCATE YOURSELF & OTHERS
Keep up with cybersecurity tips and share them with others to help everyone stay safe online.
USE STRONG PASSWORDS
Create long, unique passwords with a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid common ones like “123456” or “password” that can be easily guessed.
ENABLE MULTI-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION (MFA)
Whenever possible, activate MFA for your accounts to add an extra layer of security. This could be a code sent to your phone or a fingerprint, in addition to your password.
BE CAUTIOUS WITH PUBLIC WI-FI
Avoid entering personal or financial info on public networks. Use a VPN to encrypt your internet connection and protect your data.
MONITOR YOUR ACCOUNTS
Regularly review your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Set up alerts to catch suspicious activity early.
EDUCATE YOURSELF & OTHERS
Keep up with cybersecurity tips and share them with others to help everyone stay safe online.
And meanwhile, have a great July!