Strong Passwords
Strengthen Passwords with Three Simple Tips
Using strong passwords with the help of a password manager is one of the easiest ways to protect our accounts and keep our information safe.
Make them long
At least 16 characters – longer is stronger!
Make them random
Two ways to do this are:
Use a random string of letters (capitals and lower case), numbers and symbols (the strongest!)
Create a memorable passphrase of 5-7 unrelated words
Make them unique
Use a different password for each account
Let a password manager do the work!
A password manager creates, stores and fills passwords for us automatically. Then we each only have to remember one strong password—for the password manager itself. Search trusted sources for “password managers” like Consumer Reports, which offers a selection of highly rated password managers. Read reviews to compare options and find a reputable program for you.
When we choose strong passwords, we make it much harder for someone to steal our information
Watch for Phishing
Avoid Phishing Scams with Three Simple Tips
Phishing scams are online messages designed to look like they’re from a trusted source. We may open what we thought was a safe email, attachment or image only to find ourselves exposed to malware or a scammer looking for our personal data. The good news is we can take precautions to protect our important data. Learn to recognize the signs and report phishing to protect devices and data.
Recognize the common signs
Urgent or emotionally appealing language
Requests to send personal or financial information
Unexpected attachments
Untrusted shortened URLs
Email addresses that do not match the supposed sender
Poor writing/misspellings (less common)
Resist and report
Report suspicious messages by using the “report spam” feature. If the message is designed to resemble an organization you trust, report the message by alerting the organization using their contact information found on their webpage.
Delete
Delete the message. Don’t reply or click on any attachment or link, including any “unsubscribe” link. The unsubscribe button could also carry a link used for phishing. Just delete.
Install Software Updates
Update Software Promptly for Safety
When we see an update alert, many of us tend to hit “Remind me later.” Think twice before delaying a software update! Keeping software up to date is an easy way to stay safer online. To make it even more convenient, turn on automatic updates!
Why it’s so important to update promptly
If a criminal gets into a device through a security flaw, they will look for personal information and sensitive data to exploit. Technology providers issue software updates to “patch” security weak spots as quickly as possible. If we don’t install them, they can’t protect us!
Utilize MFA
(Multi-Factor Authentication)
How to turn on MFA
MFA provides extra security for our online accounts and apps. This security could be a code sent via text or email or generated by an app, or biometrics like fingerprints and facial recognition. Using MFA confirms our identities when logging into our accounts.
Go to settings – It can be called account setting, settings and privacy, or something similar.
Look for and turn on MFA –
It may be called two-factor authentication, two-step verification or similar.
Confirm – Select how to provide extra login security, such as by entering a code sent via text or email or using facial recognition.
Congratulations!
After setting up MFA, logging in may require completing the MFA security step to prove our identities. It only takes a moment but makes us significantly safer from malicious hackers!
Turn on MFA for every online account or app that offers it.
