Browsing the internet, using multiple apps daily and doing all your business through your digital devices, exposes you to so many online threats and getting hacked. Here’s a few top tips in keeping you, your data and finances safe 🙂
- CHECK THE URL
The URL might look okay in in a message or email but might take you to a page set up to extract personal information. It is best to type a URL into a web page instead of clicking on it.
- OUTSMART “PHISHING” ATTEMPTS
Never provide your personal & financial information to an unsolicited email, SMS, phone call or website even if they appear to be legitimate. If you are unsure, contact the company directly to see if they sent the message.
- ALWAYS CHECK THE SENDER’S EMAIL ADDRESS
Misspellings and other typos that could indicate that they are not the real senders.
- LEARN TO SPOT TELL-TALE SIGNS OF A SECURE SITE
Secured sites have URLs that start with https:// and it should have a padlock icon in the browser frame. Sites that use Extended Validation (EV) SSL show a green highlight in the address bar.
- SHOP SAFELY WITH REPUTABLE ONLINE RETAILERS AND MARKETPLACES
Online shoppers should feel empowered to do their research about the products and sellers before making a purchase. Online shoppers can learn about a retailer or a seller’s reputation from referral through friends or from reviews and comments left by other shoppers found online.
- USE A SAFE AND TRUSTED PAYMENT METHOD WHEN SHOPPING ONLINE
For additional security, choose to pay with a payment service that has programs to protect you. Beware of online merchants that only accept unusual requests such as cash-in-mail payment.
- USE PRIVACY SETTINGS AND SHARING CONTROLS
Social media platforms offer privacy settings and controls that help you decide who can see your content before you post it. Refrain from posting personal details about family or friends private.
- PROTECTING YOUR DEVICES
Protect your devices by locking devices and your screens. Leaving screens unlocked could result in unwanted account hacking.
- USE A LONG, UNIQUE PASSWORD
Choose a password that is hard to guess, made up of numbers, letters and symbols for each of your important accounts like email and online banking.
- THING BEFORE YOU REVEAL
Think twice before you post something that could damage your reputation and that someone could use to embarrass or hurt you.
