From checking your email to managing finances and shopping online, digital accounts are part of everyday life. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your personal information and make it more difficult for scammers to gain access. This fall, in honor of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, give your online security a checkup with these habits:
- Use a unique password for every account: Reusing the same password can put multiple accounts at risk if one set of login information is compromised. A password manager can help you create and keep track of strong, unique passwords.
- Turn on multifactor authentication: When available, multifactor authentication adds another layer of protection by requiring an additional step to verify your identity.
- Think before you click: Be cautious with unexpected emails or texts asking you to click a link, open an attachment or provide personal information. When in doubt, contact the company directly using information you know is legitimate.
- Keep your devices updated: Software and app updates often include important security fixes, so install updates when they become available or turn on automatic updates.
- Keep an eye on your accounts: Regularly reviewing your financial and other online accounts can help you spot unfamiliar activity sooner.
Building a few good digital habits can help add extra layers of security to the accounts and information you rely on every day.