When is the last time you updated your passwords?
If you answered never or not sure, take a listen to this episode for tips on how to protect your online identity.
Cybersecurity breaches are a real threat to many businesses big and small. But don’t be lulled into thinking it’s only happening to companies. Private citizens are not taking cyber risk seriously and it’s costing people dearly.
Did you know that in 2019 the number of publicly disclosed breaches was 3800? Or that 4.1 billion records were exposed?
No one is immune to the risks. Banks, Facebook, universities, and online gaming have all been victims of major hacks, and it has cost people billions of dollars.
Don’t roll the dice on your online safety.
Keep listening to find out how to keep your online information safe.
» [1:37] Tip 1: Passwords
Things like your kids’ names or the street you live on are weak passwords. Find out how to make a stronger password using phrases and characters, and my top password managers for help remembering them all.
» [3:09] Tip 2: Operating Systems
Yes it’s a hassle, and people like to wait because they can be “glitchy” at first, but I’ll explain why it’s actually a really good idea to get in the habit of updating them regularly. (Hint: Cyberattacks.)
» [3:49] Tip 3: Wireless networks
Your network needs a password, and this is another one you should update often, just in case you have people come over who might ask for it. Find out the one word I recommend never using for network security.
» [4:44] Tip 4: Open WiFi networks
It’s easy to hop on the free WiFi at hotels, airports, and libraries, but if the network is open without a password you don’t want to use it. Find out my other go-to solutions for WiFi while traveling that are much safer than these open and free networks. It’s definitely worth the small investment to keep your data safe.
» [5:18] Tip 5: Privacy settings
Hackers can get into your data just by being in close proximity to you. Here’s what to check in your privacy settings to see what you could be unintentionally sharing.
» [5:38] Tip 6: Device wiping
Do you know what will happen if you lose your device? If you have passwords and files stored in there they could end up in the wrong hands. Find out how you can track your device and wipe out sensitive information if you need to.
» [6:34] Tip 7: Locked devices
You might think you don’t need to lock it, but anything can happen. Here’s why locking your phone is always a good idea.
» [6:58] Tip 8: Bluetooth
Hackers can gain access to your device through an open and active Bluetooth connection. Listen here to learn how you can avoid this situation altogether.
» [8:25] Tip 9: Check your apps
Not all apps are created by trusted developers, so before you download one, make sure it’s from a trusted source. Here are a few things I always look at before grabbing a new one.
» [9:44] Tip 10: Privacy settings
All social media platforms have them, and you as the user can adjust them to your liking. Curating who sees your posts, home town, birthday, old posts, etc., is very important especially when it comes to reputation management. Find out why (especially on Facebook) it’s crucial you check them regularly.
» [10:37] Tip 11: Social media
Do you know who can see your Facebook posts? Here’s where to check.
» [10:59] Tip 12: Sign in, sign out
It’s easy to just close out the app, but not signing out (especially on public open WiFi) can keep your account vulnerable. And we don’t want that.
Mentioned on the episode:
- Password Managers: 1Password, LastPass, iCloud Keychain, Google Passwords
- Connect with me on Twitter.
About Molly
Public Relations expert Molly McPherson, APR, reveals the best practices to help leaders become indestructible in today’s digital age and crisis-proof their organizations. The Confident Communications Podcast is a mix of weekly communications tips, current news events, and interviews with newsmakers, communications professionals and business owners who share their successful tips for communicating confidently in the modern age.
This podcast helps leaders communicate confidently in their writing, speaking, body language, social media and in a crisis.
Listen + Subscribe Stitcher or Apple Podcasts© Molly McPherson 2020
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