​​​​​​​​10 Tips For Practicing Safe Cyber

1. KEEP SECURITY SOFTWARE CURRENT: Having the latest security software, web browser, and operating system are the best defenses against viruses, malware, and other online threats.
2. AUTOMATE SOFTWARE UPDATES: Many software programs will automatically connect and update to defend against known risks. Turn on automatic updates if that's an available option.
3. PROTECT ALL DEVICES THAT CONNECT TO THE INTERNET: Along with computers, smart phones, gaming systems, and other web‐enabled devices also need protection from viruses and malware.
4. PLUG & SCAN: USBs and other external devices can be infected by viruses and malware. Use your security software to scan them.
5. MAKE PASSWORDS LONG AND STRONG: Combine capital and lowercase letters with numbers and symbols to create a more secure password.
6. USE UNIQUE PASSWORD FOR EACH ACCOUNT: Separate passwords for every account helps to thwart cybercriminals.
7. WRITE IT DOWN AND KEEP IT SAFE: Everyone can forget a password. Keep a list that's stored in a safe, secure place away from your computer.
8. WHEN IN DOUBT THROW IT OUT: Links in email, tweets, posts, and online advertising are often the way cybercriminals compromise your computer. If it looks suspicious, even if you know the source, it's best to delete or if appropriate, mark as junk email.
9. GET SAVVY ABOUT WI‐FI HOTSPOTS: Limit the type of business you conduct and adjust the security settings on your device to limit who can access your machine.
10. PROTECT YOUR $$: When banking and shopping, check to be sure the site is security enabled. Look for web addresses with "htps://," which means the site takes extra measures to help secure your information. "Htp://" is not secure.