With the lockdowns and trend to working at home over the past few months, online scams have soared. It's time to take security seriously. Protecting yourself and your data takes work and involvement. It's not really that hard, but it's a chore that you need to do. The good news is that we have three tips that will help you lock down your stuff during lockdown, even though lockdown is over... and it wasn't a lockdown anyway, but where did all the toilet paper go? "Limit two almond milks," says the mean Whole Foods lady. Who's hoarding almond milk? [Sorry... rant detected.] Okay, on to the tips.
Put a Passcode on Your iPhone
Your iPhone is one of the linchpins in your security arsenal. If it is not secured, it's like handing the keys to your life over to someone. Having a passcode encrypts the phone. With a passcode it would take something like two million dollars and a super computer to break it... unless they guess the password. Maybe I'm exaggerating, but a phone with a good passcode makes for good security. If you enable enhanced login features like two-factor, your phone is the way you prove that you are you. Having it unprotected is like leaving your front door open during a riot. If you have an iPad, have a passcode. It's the same rationale there, too.
Tighten Up Your Email Security
Your email is the gateway to your online accounts. You must have a good and strong password of at least ten characters or more with a mix of numbers and letters. Don't make it easy to guess. You don't need to remember it if you have a system to document your passwords. An email password where your name, kid's names, or birthdays are contained within can be easily cracked. Also, enable two-factor authentication or any type of advanced security. When a new login is detected, you will get a text to your phone (that's why it needs a passcode) to identify you. Some email programs offer authenticator apps that you can install. And if you haven't changed your email password in ten years, do it now.
Setup Banking Account Alerts
Set up alerts with your bank and credit cards for when even a penny moves in and out of your account. You will get an alert and can take action. When my credit card was compromised, I got an alert to a transaction that I did not recognize. I was able to act immediately. You will, too. Each bank is different, but you should see a "Setup Alerts" option somewhere on their site.
