Security
Protect your data now: best practices to ward off hackers
Cyber attacks can mean stolen data, lost money and damaged trust. These steps make you a much harder target.
1. Keep your software and systems updated
Outdated software often has security holes that hackers exploit. Regularly update your operating system, web browsers and other software, and keep your antivirus and anti-malware up to date.
2. Use strong, unique passwords
Passwords like “password123” or “123456” are cracked in seconds. Combine letters, numbers and special characters, never reuse a password across accounts, and consider a password manager to keep track of them.
3. Turn on two-factor authentication (2FA)
2FA asks for a second form of identification, such as a code sent to your phone, in addition to your password. Even if someone steals your password, they still can’t get in.
4. Educate yourself and your employees
Stay informed about the latest hacking techniques. If you have employees, train them to recognize and respond to threats.
5. Back up your data regularly
If the worst happens, a recent backup means you don’t lose everything. Back up to an external hard drive or a cloud storage service on a regular schedule.
Phishing emails, messages and pop-ups pretend to come from a company you trust. Be careful with links, and never enter your login on a site that looks questionable.
6. Secure your network
Protect your Wi-Fi with a strong, complex password and turn on encryption. On public networks, use a VPN to create a secure tunnel for your connection.
The bottom line
Preventing an attack takes a multi-layered approach: stay informed, stay vigilant and keep your defenses up to date. Make your online safety a priority today.