Spring is the perfect time to review your digital footprint and ensure your cybersecurity practices are still working well. With tax season in full swing, stay safe, clean up your physical and digital data, and strengthen your passwords to keep cybercriminals at bay.
Confirm password
If your account does not have a strong password, other security measures will be less effective. If you’re using easy-to-guess words or phrases, or your account has already been exposed as part of a data breach, now is the time to update everything. To check if your account has been compromised, please visit the following link: have I been pawned? Website.
A strong password should be at least 8 characters long, but the longer the better. Avoid using common phrases or easy-to-guess combinations such as Password123, name, and date of birth. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Need something easy to remember? Try replacing common characters with other characters, such as @ instead of “a.”
Other ways to strengthen your passwords include:
- Use each password only once for different accounts, and avoid reusing credentials across different platforms or accounts.
- Whenever possible, use multi-factor authentication to log into your account. This could be done via FaceID, fingerprint, or an authentication app like Duo or Google Authenticator.
- Consider using a password manager. This keeps all your passwords safe and there’s only one master password to remember.
- Check the strength of your password using an online tool like bitwarden. password strength tester.
Organize your inbox
Email is inevitable in our work and personal lives, but losing control of your inbox can be overwhelming. Not only is email overload a source of stress, it can also be a security issue.
Make a list of all the email accounts you have and close any that are no longer needed or used. Create a folder for the emails you need to keep and delete everything else. Always make sure that your email does not contain any personally identifying information such as banking information or sensitive personal information.
You should also unsubscribe from any email lists you no longer wish to subscribe to. Similarly, never open email attachments or links you didn’t expect to receive. This is one of the easiest ways for hackers to gain access to your account or computer. Always verify the sender of a message before opening it. Always remember that Union Bank will never request sensitive account or personal information via email.
Finally, secure your device with a password, PIN, or other login information and secure your email. Never leave your computer or cell phone unlocked. Criminals can easily access your email through your device.
Scan social media accounts
Just like with email, take the time to go through your social media accounts and delete any you no longer use. Check their privacy settings and change what they share and with whom.
Delete any photos you don’t want access to. Please note that even if your settings are set to Friends and Family Only, you cannot control what others share from your account.
If you find suspicious accounts on social media, take action such as blocking them or removing them from your friends list. Also, be careful when communicating through direct messages, as it is difficult to verify the other party’s identity. As with email, if you can’t verify the sender or the content of the link, don’t click on any link that looks suspicious. Be aware that social media accounts are vulnerable to hijacking and identity theft, so even if the sender appears to be the authorized account owner, he or she may not be the true owner.
Smart devices, smarter security
internet of things
(IoT) and smart devices have definitely made our lives easier and more convenient. However, as the number of these devices increases, so do the potential doors and windows for attackers to gain unauthorized access to our data. With 77.1 million smart homes expected to be installed in the United States by 2025, the risk of cyber security threats from these devices cannot be ignored. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in these devices and gain access to sensitive information such as personal data, financial information, and even control of your home security system. For example, if a cybercriminal gains access to your smart girlfriend thermostat, they can easily know when you go out, putting your home and belongings at risk.
Just like your laptop or smartphone, it’s important to prioritize the security of your smart devices. Security measures such as setting strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and keeping device firmware up to date can help prevent unauthorized access. It’s also important to be careful about the data you share with these devices and the apps you use to control them. Regularly checking app permissions and privacy settings can help you understand what data your device collects and how it is used. Don’t wait for an attack to happen. Take precautions now to protect your home and privacy.
Delete apps you don’t use
Unused apps not only take up space on your device, but they can also become a security risk if you don’t update them frequently. Delete what you no longer use. If you have an account in the app itself, be sure to delete it before deleting the app.
keep your desk clean
Keeping your desk organized is not only important for your mental organization, but also for your security. Keep documents containing sensitive accounts or personally identifiable information on file to prevent loss or theft.
Documents that are no longer needed should be safely shredded. If you don’t have a personal shredder, your office may host a “shred day.” Alternatively, you can take the documents to your local office supply store for safe disposal.
Back up important data
Backing up your digital data can help you recover quickly if you fall victim to malware or ransomware. Without proper backups, simply losing or stealing your device can lead to headaches.
Prioritize the files you want to keep and consider how to back them up. These can be stored on a cloud-based storage system or on a physical hard drive separate from your device. It may be helpful to create some backups.
Always back up and clear your local files before disposing of or discarding your device. To completely eliminate the possibility of information being extracted from a device, the device must be destroyed or overwritten so that data cannot be retrieved using forensic software. This applies to all types of devices, including phones, tablets, laptops, and other devices in your home. If you work, ask your employer about company-wide backup policies and steps you should take to keep your work data and files safe.
Keep your device updated
Do you keep sensitive information or photos stored on your device? Requiring a passcode, PIN, or biometrics helps keep your personal information safe.
If you’re asked to update your device, don’t ignore these notifications. Operating systems are frequently updated with bug fixes and patches to keep your device and personal data safe. You can also install antivirus software and run frequent scans to check for malicious activity.
Learn more about Union Bank’s cybersecurity awareness!
in union bank, keeping your data and finances safe is our top priority. Learn more about cybersecurity awareness and see how we protect our customers and communities across Vermont and New Hampshire. inquiry If you have any questions about your account, please contact us by phone, email, or in-store. branch.
