Protect your computer
There are lots of bad actors in the world who use sophisticated means to compromise personal computers and the information on them. Here are tips to avoid becoming a victim.
- Use a firewall. Both Mac and Windows computers come with firewalls pre-installed. Be sure these are turned on.
- Keep software up to date. Be sure automatic updates are turned on for your computer's operating system (Windows, macOS), and for other software too, especially browsers, Adobe Acrobat Reader, and other apps you regularly use.
- Do not use thumb drives or other external storage devices unless you own them or they come from a trusted source.
- Backup your data regularly. Ideally, keep three copies of your data on two different types of media, and make sure one of them is not readily available to thieves. If you become a victim of ransomware or malware, the only way to restore your data is to erase your systems and restore with a recently performed backup.
- Browse the web safely. Avoid visiting sites that offer potentially illicit content. Many of these sites install malware on the fly or offer downloads that contain malware.
- Make sure your passwords are well-chosen and protected. Password managers are a big help with this.
- Use two-factor or multi-factor authentication wherever it is offered for online identification. Without two-factor authentication, you would normally enter a username and password. With two-factor, you would be prompted to enter one additional authentication method such as a Personal Identification Code, another password or even fingerprint.
- Stay away from pirated material. Avoid streaming or downloading movies, music, books, or applications that do not come from trusted sources. They may contain malware.
- Be very cautious about the information you include online. Show only the very minimum about yourself on social media, and review privacy settings on your social media accounts -- particularly Facebook
- Don't use public Wi-Fi without using a Virtual Private Network.
- Don’t open suspicious attachments or click unusual links in messages.
- Learn about phishing scams. Be very suspicious of emails, phone calls, and flyers. Know which links are safe and which are not. Notice where emails come from, and avoid reacting to notices sent to you in general.