Security Best Practices for Consumers
Educate yourself on these 10 security best
practice guidelines for consumers (you) so that you can keep your
data private and your job secure. These 10 guidelines are in no
particular order.
Always use antivirus software on your personal devices: There are
several free ones and multiple subscription services to keep your
computer virus free. Download and use them. Don't turn them off
because you think it makes your computer run slow. Leave them on and
stay protected. Upgrade your device if you think the antivirus
program slows it down.
Always use a device firewall: A personal or operating system
firewall is an excellent line of defense against malicious software
that attempts to connect out to its home server. You'll receive a
warning when an attempt is made, and you can optionally block the
communication. Blocking the communication won't remove the
infection, but it will render it mostly harmless, especially if it
is one of the many "logger" infections that grabs your data as you
type it into websites or client software.
Keep your operating systems and software up to date: Yes, it's a
pain to update your apps and operating systems up to date because
doing so often requires a reboot. Your device will react slowly
while the device updates, but it's for your own good. Take a tea
break, watch an old episode of The IT Crowd or take a walk until
your updates have finished.
Never download pirated or cracked software: This type of software
almost always includes some type of malware. Plus, it's illegal to
steal software, so there's that aspect of it. If you're using a
corporate computer and you download pirated software onto it, you're
jeopardizing your job because your company can get into big trouble
for harboring pirated software.
Don't click on popup windows that tell you that your computer is
infected with a virus: Antivirus software doesn't work that way.
Those popups install malware onto your computer, with your
permission. Sometimes it's a scam that requires you to pay money to
have the software removed by the software originator. Don't fall for
it. Don't pay them to remove it if you've done it. Look up online
how to remove the malware yourself.
Be careful with email attachments: Not all email attachments are
harmful, but unless you're expecting an attachment from someone you
know, don't download or open it until you're sure it's OK to do so.
If it's from someone you don't know, delete the email or identify it
as spam. Do not download or open the attachment.
Don't use public wi-fi hotspots without using a VPN (secure)
connection: This is always true if you're a corporate user. Do not
connect to a public wi-fi unless you do so through a VPN. A VPN will
encrypt your communications to and from the internet so that anyone
who might be eavesdropping can't steal your information.
Use passwords on everything and be sure that they're strong
passwords: Do not use the same password for everything. Do not use
easy-to-guess passwords. Use strong passwords that are at least
eight characters in length and include capitals, numbers, and
alternate characters. Password protect everything: Devices, email,
VPN, anything that you don't want shared with others. Be paranoid
and change your passwords often.
Beware of what kind of information you share on social media sites:
Everyone loves Facebook (not me) and you probably place photos on
it, have conversations on it, play games on it and attach all kinds
of other apps to it. And by doing so, you put your privacy at risk.
There are companies that scan these sites and collect data on you.
They collect data on you from public records sites, social media
sites and from sites that deliver malicious payloads to your
devices. Keep private information private. Never use social media
sites at work. Doing so can compromise your company's data or defame
their reputation.
Review your online accounts and credit report: You should review
your bank accounts, auction accounts, and mobile phone accounts for
signs of fraud or charges that you didn't make. There are companies
that send text messages out to scam you into responding and then
charge you for doing so. Don't fall for it. You should also check
your credit report annually to combat any fraudulent additions.
Entries are too easy to put onto your credit report and very hard to
take off. Watch yours carefully and take steps to remove errors as
soon as possible.
