INTERNET SAFETY

INTERNET SAFETY TIPS

1. Protect Your Personal Information With Strong Passwords

When creating a new password, pay attention to strong password requirements.
Change your passwords often.
Don’t share your passwords with other people.
Don’t use common, easily guessable passwords.
Make sure passwords and password hints are stored securely. Record passwords in an encrypted file on your computer, or select another secure password storage method.

2. Keep Personal Information Private

When you sign up for something online, read the terms and conditions.
Never enter your financial information on a website that isn’t secure (look for the padlock or "https://" prefix in the browser address bar).
If you suspect your credit card information is being misused online, turn off your card using the SNB SD mobile banking app.

It’s important to protect your personal information offline, too, because once sensitive information is stolen it can be proliferated online. Remember tips like shielding the PIN pad when you make purchases and learning how to spot a credit card skimmer at gas pumps. Using a chip debit card is another way to protect your financial information. The more sophisticated chip technology is just one reason why the chip card is more secure than the traditional magnetic strip debit card.

3. Make Sure Your Devices Are Secure

Utilize passwords and other security options like fingerprint readers and face scanning technology. One report stated that 30% of smartphone users didn’t use passwords, screen locks or other security features to lock their phones.
Secure all devices, including computers, phones, tablets and devices like smartwatches and smart TVs.

4. Pay Attention to Software Updates

Promptly install software updates, especially when they include important security upgrades.
Set up automatic updates on your devices so you never miss one!

5. Be Careful About Wifi

Do not trust public wifi security. Avoid connecting to unsecured public wifi networks.
Make sure your own wifi networks are protected with strong passwords.
Remember tip #1 and change your wifi password frequently.

6. Set Up Two-Factor Authentication

Enable two-factor authentication in order to prevent hackers from accessing your personal accounts and information.
Add this extra layer of security to keep your accounts safe even if someone knows your password.

7. Back Up Your Personal Data

Back up important personal information on external hard drives.
Create new back-ups regularly.

INTERNET SAFETY LINKS

transition.gov is a great place to start.

kaspersky.com has good information for the whole family.

Safety for teens will help you and your teen learn how to be safe.

Norton not only protects you and your family but also your computer.

Online safety basics will help you in preventing a problem.