How to Protect Your Digital Information

 

Technology has made life easier and sometimes harder. Fact is that smartphones and laptops are a part of modern life. As we continue to migrate even more of our lives online, this means personal and sensitive information, such as financial accounts and health care records, will be stored in virtual databases.

This new age of technology assistance comes with plenty of convenience, however, with this trend comes increased exposure to phishing and malware attacks — tricks users into inputting their personal information through fake sites or email links. Protecting yourself from cyber threats is as important as ever and there are several methods to protect yourself.

There are steps you can take to protect your data safe and secure:

• A strong password: The latest cyber security tools are worthless if you have a weak password. Combine upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols into something unique to you is the best way to stay safe.
• Multi-factor authentication: This combines a secure password with a push notification on your phone, or a face scan to verify who is using the data.
• Use discretion: Avoid accessing personal information on public Wi-Fi — such as coffee shops or libraries. This could include sites where your banking information is accessible or sites containing medical files.
• Use anti-virus and anti-spyware: Spyware is software that allows a user to obtain secret information about someone’s computer activities. Spyware can come bundled in with desirable software, or a “Trojan horse” style attack using a USB Keylogger. Anti-virus and anti-spyware can fight these threats. These programs can detect threats in real-time. However, they must be updated regularly to function at their best.

Cyber security is constantly evolving. Keeping up with current trends is the best way to keep your — and your family’s — information safe and secure.