(MoneyHippo.com) – In the age of online banking and digital commuting, you may be concerned about the security of your information. The truth is: You should be. Cyber attacks can have dire consequences and are an ever-present reality, but the good news is there are ways to protect yourself. Here are the top tips to add more security to your accounts and increase your cybersecurity.
- Password Protection: It might be tempting to use the same password over many accounts, but the practice allows hackers to access more of your information. When setting up passwords, use strong and unique ones and change them often. Consider using a password manager to generate and store unique passwords for each account.
- WiFi: While it might be convenient to use public WiFi while sipping coffee at the local Starbucks, doing so can expose your information to criminals. While using the internet in this way, avoid ever accessing your personal accounts or financial information, as hackers could lift your passwords and access your data through the public WiFi network. Consider installing and using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to encrypt your data and foil casual hackers.
- Credit Freeze: Contact the three main credit bureaus and request a free credit freeze in addition to pulling a copy of your credit report. Freezing your credit prevents thieves from opening lines of credit in your name. When you want to open a new line of credit, all you need to do is call them back and unfreeze your credit. Experts suggest doing the same for your children.
Remember, nothing is foolproof, so regularly keep an eye on your accounts. That way, you can spot irregularities and respond quickly to any suspicious activity. Be careful out there!
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