2/7/2025
Protecting Your Digital Assets from Online Threats
In a world where we spend so much time online, safeguarding our digital lives has become essential. From personal data to financial information, hackers target our online presence daily, often without us realizing it. Whether you’re a business owner, an employee, or an everyday internet user, understanding and implementing cybersecurity best practices is critical. Here are some of the top strategies you can use to stay safe online.
1. Use Strong, Unique Passwords
Using complex and unique passwords for each online account is one of the most effective defenses against cyber threats. Avoid using easily guessed passwords like “password123” or common information like birthdays. Instead, create passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Tools like password managers (e.g., Roboform, Apple Password Manager) help you generate and store unique passwords for each site, so you don’t have to memorize them all.
2. Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification in addition to your password. When you log in, you’ll need to confirm your identity with a second device, like a code sent to your phone or an authenticator app. Most major platforms, including Google, Facebook, and financial institutions, support 2FA. Enabling it makes it much harder for attackers to access your accounts, even if they know your password.
3. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Outdated software often contains security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals can exploit. By regularly updating your operating system, browsers, and applications, you’ll get the latest security patches that address these vulnerabilities. Most devices and software have an automatic update option; consider enabling it for convenience and improved security. If not, add a reminder to your calendar to manually go in and perform updates routinely.
4. Be Cautious of Phishing Scams
Phishing attacks are among the most common cybersecurity threats. Cybercriminals try to trick you into revealing sensitive information by pretending to be trustworthy sources, like a bank or government agency. Phishing messages often come via email, text, or phone, and they typically contain urgent language to pressure you into clicking a malicious link or downloading an attachment. Be cautious with any unsolicited communications, double-check the sender’s information, and avoid clicking on unknown links.
5. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN)
A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it much harder for hackers to intercept your data when using public Wi-Fi networks. Public networks are convenient but often insecure, exposing you to risks like “man-in-the-middle” attacks. With a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through an encrypted tunnel, protecting your data from prying eyes and making it difficult for cybercriminals to trace your online activity.
6. Add a Portability Lock / Password to Cell Phone Account
A portability lock is a security feature implemented by some cell phone companies to prevent unauthorized phone number transfers. When activated, this lock restricts your number from being "ported" (transferred) to another carrier without your permission. The goal of a portability lock is to prevent number port-out scams, where someone fraudulently attempts to take over your phone number and transfer it to a new carrier. This type of fraud is often used in identity theft, as it can provide access to two-factor authentication codes sent to your phone, giving attackers a gateway to your personal accounts.
7. Limit Personal Information Shared Online
Hackers often use publicly available information, like birthdays or addresses, to guess passwords or answer security questions.
Protect yourself by:
- Being mindful of what you share on social media.
- Reviewing privacy settings on social platforms.
- Limiting personal information in online profiles and posts.