Digital spring cleaning: 4 'cyber hygiene' tips to stay safe
Digital spring cleaning: 4 'cyber hygiene' tips to stay safe
NEW YORK (AP) — Spring cleaning isn't just about tossing old furniture and torn clothing:
A little "cyber hygiene" can go a long way in guarding yourself from identity theft or other Internet attacks.
Don't include your kids' names, birthdays or references to any other personal details that people might find on social media.
Multi-factor identification — which asks users to enter a second form of identification, such as a code texted to their phone — will provide additional protections at services that offer it.
There's a growing threat of ransomware, where a hacker locks down a computer and threatens to wipe the data if the owner doesn't pay up.
The attacks often stem from malicious software, which can result from clicking on a link in a phishing email or fake online ads.
Because you have little recourse when this happen, it's more important than ever to back up your data.
Don't forget about your wireless router and your assorted "Internet of things" devices such as smart TVs and thermostats.
Lock down your social media accounts by restricting your posts to just your actual friends.