A few simple steps to be safer online

Being an IT professional can be a blessing and a curse; you know how to keep yourself safe online and fix computer issues, but also, everyone you know expects you to keep them safe online and fix their computer issues.

Well, we don’t want you to have a line of family members with computer issues at your next family event, so we created a list of online safety tips for you to share with family and friends.

7 simple steps to be safer online

• Install those updates – Quit clicking “remind me tomorrow” and let your system install security updates as soon as they are available. It is inconvenient, but the updates were created in response to new threats.
• Unique account, unique password – You should be using a variety of strong passwords – not just the same one for every account. Keep a list somewhere far away from your computer if you need help remembering.
• Watch for phishing – Hackers steal passwords by phishing – pretending to be a trustworthy source asking for your password. Be suspicious of anyone asking for your password and know that legitimate organizations will never request sensitive information via email. For more tips, check out this blog post by Norton.
• Close pop-up windows – Pop-up windows aren’t just annoying – they are also a favorite tool of hackers. org suggests being wary of communications that implores you to act immediately, offers something that sounds too good to be true or asks for personal information.
• Be smart about downloads – Only download content from websites you trust. Downloads can contain malware or viruses that steal your data and/or break your computer.
• Limit your actions on public WiFi – Do not access confidential accounts (ex. bank accounts) on public WiFi. You never know who else is using that network.
• Only shop and bank on secure sites – Web addresses with “https://” or “shttp://” mean the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. “Http://” is not secure.

You should commit to these steps, too. Even the best of us IT professionals have a bad security habit or two.