Many people are aware that strong passwords provide essential protection to accounts. In fact, we have some tips on how to create strong passwords!
In our effort to provide next-level service, here are three additional things you can do to go beyond password protection and help stop cyberthreats.
Opt for Multi-factor Authentication.
If you’ve got a unique username and a strong, unique password – consider multi-factor authentication the icing on the secure account cake.
When you turn multi-factor authentication (MFA) on – or if an app or account requires it – you’ll be prompted to enter more information after entering your username and password. This added step and the additional verification factors help decrease the potential success of cyberattacks.
MFA might include:
- Entering a one-time code sent via text, email, or authentication app such as Microsoft Authenticator or Cisco Duo
- Completing biometric verification such as a fingerprint, facial or retina scan
- Confirming your identity via an additional device via a login notification, such as receiving an email asking "Did you log on to this device?"
- Answering security questions
Two-step verification or two-factor authentication (2FA) is a type of multi-factor authentication. It requires only two factors, like a password and one of the above- mentioned types. The analog to this is when you must present two forms of identification – choosing from a driver’s license, utility bill, credit card statement, or other paper trail – to ensure your identity. While 2FA is most common for consumers, some systems require more than two steps for employees to log in to internal systems.
We recommend opting in wherever multi-factor authentication or two-step verification is available. Logging in may take a little longer, but it’s worth it. The hassle of a hack or breach is a far greater inconvenience
Keep everything updated.
When the pop-up to update appears, you may be tempted to ignore it – and then ignore it again until your hand is forced.
Updates can be a pain and pinch your productivity. They take time and require saving files, closing out of tabs, and exiting programs. They can mean learning a new location of a button and figuring out which accounts you need to sign in to again once updates are complete.
But every app or device is like a window or door — hackers are constantly checking to see if you’ve left one unlocked or to find a flaw. Outdated software, like the operating system on your devices, makes you vulnerable to hacking. Updates help remove known vulnerabilities and gaps — where spyware or malware can be installed – and provide patches that protect against newly discovered threats.
We recommend always updating your apps and devices such as phone, tablet, and computers to keep your accounts and personal information safer.
Take the extra time to check for updates and install them — you’ll be one step stronger against digital attacks.
Fortify your home
You may know not to log in to sensitive accounts from public computers unless absolutely necessary. If you have to, be sure to log out and clear the cache. While saving logins for home is always a good idea, data breaches can happen anywhere.
Here are two ways to fortify your home against a cyberattack.
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Check your smart home devices. These are wonderful tools that bring convenience, comfort, and security. But the internet connection that powers your home requires attention, too.
Smart devices might include:
- Speakers and televisions
- Thermostats
- Garage door openers
- Doorbells
- Cameras
- Go back to the strong password! Strong passwords are for more than just your accounts. People often choose something easy like their address for their routers or home devices – don’t! Your router is like the moat surrounding your castle and makes your home defense strong from the start. Choose different and strong passwords for your router and each internet-enabled device.
