Keep
a Clean Machine.
> Keep
security software current: Having the latest security software, web
browser, and operating system are
the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
> Automate
software updates: Many software programs will automatically connect
and update to defend against
known risks. Turn on automatic updates if that’s an available option..
> Protect all
devices that connect to the Internet: Along with computers, smart
phones, gaming systems, and
other web‐enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
> Plug &
scan: “USBs” and other external devices can be infected by viruses and
malware. Use your security software
to scan them.
Protect
Your Personal Information.
> Secure your
accounts: Ask for protection beyond passwords. Many account
providers now offer additional
ways for you verify who you are before you conduct business on that site.
> Make
passwords long and strong: Combine capital and lowercase letters
with numbers and symbols to create
a more secure password.
> Unique
account, unique password: Separate passwords for every account
helps to thwart cybercriminals.
> Write it
down and keep it safe: Everyone can forget a password. Keep a
list that’s stored in a safe, secure place
away from your computer.
> Own your
online presence: When available, set the privacy and security
settings on websites to your comfort
level for information sharing. It’s ok to limit how and with whom you share
information.
Connect
with Care.
> When in
doubt, throw it out: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online
advertising are often the way cybercriminals
compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source,
it’s best to delete
or if appropriate, mark as junk email.
> Get savvy
about Wi‐Fi hotspots: Limit
the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on
your device to limit who can access your machine.
> Protect your
$$: When banking and shopping, check to be sure the sites is security
enabled. Look for web addresses
with “https://” or “shttp://”, which means the site takes extra measures to
help secure your information.
“Http://” is not secure.
Be
Web Wise.
> Stay
current. Keep pace with new ways to stay safe online. Check
trusted websites for the latest information,
and share with friends, family, and colleagues and encourage them to be web
wise.
> Think before
you act: Be wary of communications that implores you to
act immediately, offers something that
sounds too good to be true, or asks for personal information.
> Back it up: Protect
your valuable work, music, photos, and other digital information by making an electronic
copy and storing it safely.
Be
a Good Online Citizen.
> Safer for me
more secure for all: What you do online has the potential to affect
everyone – at home, at work
and around the world. Practicing good online habits
benefits the global digital community.
> Post only about others as you have them post about you.
> Help the authorities fight cybercrime: Report stolen finances or identities and other cybercrime to
http://www.ic3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center
http://www.onguardonline.gov/file‐complaint.
Visit http://www.stopthinkconnect.org for more information.
