Feb. 1 is National Change Your Password Day, which makes this the perfect time to review the importance of cybersecurity and protecting your information.
Making a few small changes to how you operate online can help you stay safe from cyberattacks and ensure your personal information is protected.
“Practicing basic cybersecurity hygiene will help prevent 98% of the attacks people are at risk of experiencing online,” says Jacklynne Sienicki, a senior data analyst for the Microsoft Digital Crimes Unit.
Read on to learn Sienicki’s top tips for staying safe online.
1. Create strong, unique passwords.
Even though simple passwords may be easy to remember, they are not the most secure and are easy for criminals to crack. Sienicki recommends creating long, unique passwords comprising upper and lowercase letters, numbers and symbols for each of your online accounts.
(Worried about forgetting your passwords? Tools such as Microsoft’s password manager in the Edge browser can help. This program allows you to store and organize your usernames and passwords in one convenient and encrypted location, so your information is within easy reach but also secure.)
Finally, never share your passwords with anyone or use the same password across multiple accounts. Be aware of what you share publicly as cybercriminals can use that information to guess your passwords or answers to security questions.
2. Enable multifactor authentication on every account that supports it.
Multifactor authentication provides an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter more than a password to access their information.
For example, you may be asked to enter a number sent to you via text or email or complete a facial recognition scan. As a result, even if your password is compromised, you can still be protected as the attacker cannot get in without that additional factor.
3. Treat suspicious messages cautiously.
If a message sounds urgent, requests money or asks to access your online accounts, beware. Sienicki says attackers often create a sense of urgency and use people you know to trick you into providing access to your account or sending money.
In this situation, Sienicki recommends confirming the request with the sender using a different device or account before clicking links, downloading attachments, calling a number in the email, sending money or providing sensitive information.
4. Monitor for suspicious activity.
Keep a close eye on your online accounts. Act immediately if you think you may have been compromised by changing your password and ensuring multifactor authentication is enabled. Contact your financial institutions if your banking or credit card information is linked to the compromised account(s).
In the event your identity is stolen, Sienicki recommends filing a police report and obtaining a copy of the report, as well as placing a fraud alert on your credit report with one of the major U.S. credit bureaus.
Sienicki also recommends closing any financial accounts that have been accessed or opened fraudulently in your name. Additionally, you can report the theft to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission at ftc.gov/idtheft or call it directly at 877-438-4338.
To protect your computer against attacks from malware and viruses, run Microsoft Defender (included with Windows 11) or download the Microsoft Safety Scanner.
Ready to get started protecting your online data? Take the first step by making sure you are using a strong password for your most-used online accounts.
