More and more digital security, hacking, scams and online con artists seem to be proliferating into almost every corner of our online lives. From spammy emails to hacked Facebook accounts the impacts of a good hack can be felt throughout all of your bank accounts and credit cards if you aren't careful. And if you have already experienced it like I have...
then you probably wish you could hire a digital version of a German Shepard or a nice digital personal account security guard. And while AI is on the move and you might be able to do something like that... in the meantime... Here are some of the best things you can do to help keep your online accounts more secure from hackers:
Use strong passwords. Your passwords should be at least 12 characters long and include a mix of upper and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. You should also avoid using common words or phrases, as these are easily guessed by hackers.
Use different passwords for each account. This will help to protect your accounts if one of your passwords is compromised. If you have trouble keeping track of all of your passwords try using dashlane.com they are an excellent platform to help keep track of passwords.
-Enable two-factor authentication on EVERYTHING. Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your accounts by requiring you to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when you log in.
Be careful about what information you share online. Don't share your personal information, such as your address or phone number, on social media or other public websites.
Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security patches that can help to protect you from malware and other online threats.
Only open emails from trusted sources. Be sure to check the sender! If you don't recognize it or it doesn't exactly match the source or even if it is a password reset email that looks like it is from a company you trust.. if you didn't request the reset and or don't recognize the sender do not click any link in the email and discard immediately.
Be VERY careful about the links you click on. Only click on links from trusted sources. If you're not sure whether a link is safe, don't click on it.
Use a firewall and antivirus software. A firewall can help to protect your computer from unauthorized access, and antivirus software can help to protect you from malware.
Back up your data regularly. This will help you to recover your data if your computer is hacked.
Be sure that your website is set up to only allow approved members to leave comments, post blogs or engage with your website.
By following these tips, you can help to keep your online accounts secure from hackers and be your own personal digital security guard. Questions or comments? Reach out to me anytime! emily@emilygeisler.com
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