Below are some 2014 online security resolutions that I recommend you consider for you own list. They are based on recent SimplySecurity blogs by Trend Micro employees that have been posted over the past few months.
#1– Get or maintain superior security software for your computers and mobile devices that updates regularly and offers more than just antivirus protection, even if one of your know-it-all-relatives says you don’t need it.
#2 – If you used your debit card at a Target store last month, change the PIN number immediately. If you used a credit card, then be sure to monitor your monthly bills and dispute any fraudulent charges that appear.
#3 – Continuously check and adjust, if necessary, your privacy settings on Facebook and limit the number of friends that can see your posts. Also, understand that everything you do on Facebook is not “private.”
#4 – Change the passwords on all your web accounts and make sure each new one is at least 10 characters long with mixture of letters (upper and lower case), numbers, and special characters.
#5 – Start being or continue to be cyber savvy by practicing PIE (Protection, Intuition, and Education).
#6 – Don’t fall for phishing email scams. Be skeptical and assume every message that appears in your inbox could be an attempt to steal your identity.
#7 – Think before you press “Send” or “Post”…Sharing too much can really haunt a person, sometimes years later. It’s good to pause and think about what you are about to share and how it could come back to bite you.
#8 – When shopping online never use a payment method that doesn’t offer fraud protection. Wire transfers and money orders are not recommended for online purchases because you have no way of getting your money back once you’ve sent it.
#9 – Lock your mobile phone with a PIN or security code and set a screen lock time limit so that your device locks itself after a period of inactivity.
#10 – If you have children at home, don’t be afraid to limit their Internet access and monitor their online activity. Be sure to employ the parental controls that should be a feature within your security software like they are with Trend Micro Titanium™ Security.
Have a safe and sensational 2014!
I work for Trend Micro and the opinions expressed here are my own.
