02 Mar Six New Year Resolutions for Improving Information Security
Every New Year we resolve to make improvements in our personal lives. We determine to lose weight, get out of debt and improve our health, but how many of us think about improving the security of our personal information? It’s worth considering especially since data breaches and payment fraud continue to increase. Here are six simple actions you can take for a more secure New Year.
- Refresh your passwords. January is the perfect time to change your passwords and improve their complexity. Make sure they’re long and strong, and change them every 90 days.
- Update your software. Turn on automatic updates so that new patches are applied to your devices.Vulnerabilities are discovered all the time in applications and operating systems.
- Protect your privacy. Update the privacy settings on your social networking accounts, mobile apps and web browsers. Check your privacy settings again after applying application updates.
- Use two-factor authentication. Two-step authentication provides an extra layer of security. To access an account, you are asked to provide your password along with a six-digit code sent by text message.
- Secure your mobile device. Set your device to auto lock when you’re finished using it, and to back up your data automatically. Look closely at permissions before installing a new app. Turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies only when needed. Keep your private data safe by adding mobile security software.
- Be smart about wireless connectivity. Use basic precautions to keep your personal information private. Learn how to configure your router to only allow incoming or outgoing traffic that you have approved. Enable encryption when transmitting data so that only the intended recipient is able to read it. Never access a password-protected account over an unsecured wireless connection.
History has shown that most of us don’t see our resolutions through to completion because we lack the self-discipline or determination. We can’t afford to leave gaps that today’s sophisticated attackers can exploit. Let’s collectively resolve to start the New Year with privacy and security top of mind.
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