Ways to keep yourself safe
Do you know how to keep your data and devices safe?
There are many things you can do besides just setting a strong password, using different passwords for every account, and changing your passwords regularly.
Read and listen to this list of things you should do. As you read and listen, think about this: How many of these tips for practicing cybersecurity do you do?
Put a checkmark (?) next to the things you do now.
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1 |
Make your passwords hard to guess: Don’t use “password” as your password. Okay, we know that you probably know that, but according to a study by NordPath, “password” was the fifth most popular password in 2020, used by almost 21 million people globally. (The top four passwords of the year were: “123456,” “123456789,” “12345,” and “qwerty.”) Don’t do it! |
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2 |
Change passwords regularly: We know this is annoying, but it is a sure-fire way to make sure that your accounts are kept safe! |
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3 |
Set up two-factor authentication: One of the simplest ways to reduce the risk of people stealing your passwords is to set up two-factor authentication on all of your online accounts. This requires you to get a code to either your email or cell phone before you can log in. (Yes, we know it is annoying.) |
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4 |
Make sure your connection is secure: A secure URL should begin with “https” rather than “http.” The “s” in “https” stands for secure. This lets you know that your communication and data is encrypted as it passes from your browser to the website's server. To check, click on the address in the browser window. (But you should still be careful—seeing https doesn’t completely guarantee that it is secure.) And try not to use free wifi networks when you’re out in public.  |
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Backup important files: This is very important! If your computer is infected with malware or ransomware, you will be locked out of your data. Hackers can ransom—make you pay—for your own data. If you have a system backup, you are not at the mercy of the hackers and you can have your system rebuilt. |
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Stick to your own devices: Don’t use other people’s devices to access important data like your bank account. Do not share login information, even with friends and other employees. Also, do not ever let someone access your computer remotely (unless your tech support department is doing it). |
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Always be aware of your surroundings: Make sure that your screen locks! Don’t let people look over your shoulder at your passcode. Or better yet, use a fingerprint or your face to unlock devices. They are much safer. |
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Be careful when you click! Just because you can click a link in an email doesn’t mean that you should. Phishing emails can look very official-looking and are sent on a daily basis. If you are in doubt, hover your mouse over the hyperlink to see what the URL is. Common phishing emails will have .ru, .cn, .ng extensions that lead to the hotbeds of cyber threats (Russia, China, Nigeria, etc.) |
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Keep up to date with updates: Software updates keep you safe from new viruses and malware. Install updates as soon as possible to protect your computer, phone, or other digital device against attackers who take advantage of problems in the system.  |
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10 |
Use a Find my Phone or Device Manager app to help prevent loss or theft. |
Listen to the audio again and "shadow" the speaker. (Read along with the speaker.) It's really good for your pronunciation! ?
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