With all the threats to security around, it’s easy to panic. But keep in mind that many security compromises happen because people failed to follow basic security precautions. So, we’ve put together this quick tutorial to run you through some security basics.
Stay Secure by Following Security Best Practices
Maintaining security starts by following some basic steps. First of all, be sure to use smart passwords. Use a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Be careful about using the same password across multiple accounts. Important accounts should have strong, unique passwords. You may want to consider using a password manager such as Dashlane to help you keep track of your passwords.
Also, some accounts offer two-factor authentication. Use this whenever you can. Google’s Gmail service is an example of a service that offers two-factor authentication. It works by asking users who login to Gmail from unfamiliar devices to verify their identity. Usually, this is done by entering a code that is texted to the user’s cell phone.
Last, make sure your operating system is up to date, and is protected by a security suite which is also up to date. Ideally, your security software should not only stop and detect viruses, but also provide a firewall, and protect against malware and browser attacks.
Watch Out for Insecure Locations
If you use public wifi or shared public computers, you should be aware that these resources may represent security risks. Thus, it is best to avoid accessing email and important accounts on public computers. If you need to access such accounts via public wifi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to protect your data.
Security Starts with Being Smart
Just by using email and the internet, you expose yourself to security risks. However, you can protect yourself if you know what to watch out for. Beware of anyone asking for sensitive account information—keep that information private. Don’t download files unless they are from a trusted source.
And finally, watch out for spoof attacks. These attacks use fake emails that appear to link to real sites, such as banks, paypal, or email providers. Be on the lookout for email links that lead to login pages. The login pages may be fake pages designed to steal your data. Usually, you can verify that a site is legitimate by checking the website address (URL) and ensuring that it matches the real address.
We hope this outline of basic security practices will help you keep your computers safe at home and in the office. Remember, CPURX is ready to help with any and all of your office and network security needs. And stay tuned to the blog as we feature more tech tricks, technology news, security tips, office productivity hacks, and more.