October is Cybersecurity Month and #LatinaGeeks is checking in to see if you’re staying safe online. It’s important to regularly go through a checklist and ensure that you are taking the necessary measures to manage your privacy, practice online safety, prevent fraud and stay safe.
Here are some tips to be used as an online security checklist to ensure you’re protecting yourself:
Backup your data
This is a three-step process: (1) make copies of your data (2) select the hardware or method to store your data (3) safely store the backup device that holds your copied files.
Know when to recognize a Malicious Email such as Spam or Phishing
Reduce spam getting sent to you by enabling filers on your email and text programs, report all spam and own your online presence by hiding your email on online profiles.
Make your password a sentence
Some guidance for strong passwords are: must be 12 characters long and focus on positive or common phrases that are easy to remember. Also, have separate passwords for every account.
Keep your security software current
Having the newest security software, web browser and operating system is the best defense against online threats.
Re-assess that app you’re downloading
According to the NCSA, “Information about you, such as the games you like to play, your contacts list, where you shop and your location, has value – just like money. Be thoughtful about who gets that information and how it’s collected through apps.”
These are just some of many important steps to start implementing today to stay secure online and protect your data. Make sure you’re on top of these not just during this month, but every day that you’re active online! Your identity depends on it.
Facts in this article are brought to you by the National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA), which builds strong public/private partnerships to create and implement broad-reaching education and awareness efforts to empower users at home, work and school with the information they need to keep themselves, their organizations, their systems and their sensitive information safe and secure online and encourage a culture of cybersecurity. (Source: https://staysafeonline.org/)
This article was written by Suzy Reyes.
Suzy has been a contributing writer for #LatinaGeeks since 2016 and currently serves as the Secretary for the #LatinaGeeks San Diego Chapter where she is an integral part of planning, coordinating, and executing community events. She loves to network with her fellow Latinas in technology and shares the common good of the community, friendship, and most of all giving back. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
