October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, and we've got some tips for staying safe in today's tech-heavy world.
The wi-fi in a coffee shop, hotel, or a passenger jet may be free and easy to connect to, but these are the same reasons hackers love to use them to launch malware attacks on unsuspecting victims. When using public wi-fi, always assume your personal information at risk, including your usernames and passwords. And remember: You may not even realize you're information is being stolen. Take a look at the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) recommendations for safely using public wi-fi.
Antivirus (AV) software regularly scans your device to detect and remove viruses. In addition to AV protection, you can also choose to install a firewall. Firewalls monitor incoming and outgoing network traffic and block what they see as potential threats. Both hardware and software firewalls are options, each with their own benefits. Do research beforehand to determine which is best in your situation.
There are three main criteria that make up a strong password: length, complexity, and predictability.
Almost everything these days requires a password. But this creates a problem: Remembering all of your passwords. It's usually not the best idea to write your login credentials on a piece of paper, even if you think it's hidden where no one can find it. The FTC recommends using a password manager to help solve this issue. A password manager is a software program that stores your passwords in a virtual "vault." It can even create secure passwords for you if you're having trouble thinking of some. Some password managers can be conveniently downloaded as an app on your smartphone. If your considering using a password manager, do some research beforehand to make sure you’re downloading a legitimate and safe app. More information on password managers can be found on the FTC's website.
This includes operating systems on your computer or smartphone, any desktop and mobile apps, AV protection, and browser plugins. Updating software not only adds new features and increases the efficiency of your software but also gets rid of security gaps that the software developers have become aware of in the meantime.
This is one of your greatest defenses. Educate yourself on fraud and scams so you know what to look out for. Cyprus Credit Union’s website is one of many resources that can help you learn more. Visit our Fraud Alerts & Prevention page for more information.