The world is becoming more online every single day. With those shifts to digital, it’s important to protect yourself online. We have five New Year’s cybersecurity tips to help protect your personal and financial information wherever you go on the internet.
- Update ALL of Your Passwords. If possible, each password should not spell any words or phrases. For added security, use a combination of uppercase, lowercase, numbers, letters, characters, and other symbols. Not sure how to remember those passwords? It’s okay to write them down or save them in a special, password-protected folder on your computer.
- Use Two-Factor Authentication. If a financial institution or other online entity offers two-factor authentication (2FA), use it. This adds an extra layer of security by requiring that you provide a secure form of verification when logging into a site or app. This is often done by sending you a code via text or email.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi. Free public wi-fi is great, but it is also risky. These public networks can be hacked to record your data, passwords, and private information. If you do need to use public wi-fi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your online activities.
- Update Your Social Media Privacy Settings. Limit the amount of personal information you share, limit friend requests, and lock down your feed to keep anyone outside your friend group from harvesting private information about you.
- Do Weekly Data Backups. This can include a physical hard drive and/or cloud backup. Be sure to include your phone’s data, computer data, and any other files that are important to you and your family.
Boost Your Financial Wellness
More Financial Wellness Matters blogs on topics ranging from financial self-care to protecting your financial health are coming soon. Twice a month, we’ll dig a bit deeper into the relationship between financial health and overall well-being, shedding light on the behaviors and beliefs that drive money relationships. With simple tips and proven insights, we hope to enhance your financial well-being and help you live a healthier, happier life.